New York Shopping

New York's shops cater to every possible taste, in any combination and in many cases at any time of the day or night. As such, they're a great reason for visiting the city, even if the invasion of chains, like Barnes & Noble, Filene's Basement and even the world's largest K-Mart have caused some worry. Nevertheless, many of the oddest and oldest stores remain, and nothing beats discovering a quirky, independent shop that may specialize only in vintage cufflinks or rubber stamps.

Remember that an 8.25 percent sales tax will be added to your bill; this is bypassed sometimes when paying cash in a market or discount store. Finally, wherever you're shopping, be careful. Manhattan's crowded, frenzied stores are ripe territory for pickpockets and bag-snatchers.

Barney's 600 Madison Ave (at 61st St) tel 212/826-8900. Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm.
Though a proper department store, Barney's actually concentrates on clothes, particularly men's, with the emphasis on high-flying, up-to-the-minute designer garments and women's wear.

Bergdorf Goodman 754 5th Ave (at 57th St) tel 212/753-7300. Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm.
Come if only to ogle the windows, which approach high art with their rhinestone-encrusted diaphanous dress displays. Everything about Bergdorf's speaks of its attempt to be New York City's most elegant and wealth-oriented department store. The men's store is across 5th Ave.

Bloomingdale's 1000 3rd Ave (at 59th St) tel 212/705-2000. Mon-Fri 10am-8.30pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-7pm.
It has the atmosphere of a large, bustling bazaar, packed with concessionaires offering perfumes and designer clothes.

South Street Seaport 12 Fulton St tel 212/732-7678. Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm.
The barn-like building and its historic surroundings of ships, docks and old warehouses are fascinating and fun, the river views from the deck are lovely, and The Sharper Image stocks some terrifying and ingenious toys for adults.