Contrary to popular belief, shopping in
New York City doesn't have to mean draining your bank account. Luxury retail may reign supreme here, especially since it's the American fashion capital, but the city also has countless underrated gems that offer high-quality pieces at lower prices. Nordstrom Rack, Bloomingdale's Outlet, and Century 21 are just some of the stores you need to know to go shopping in New York City on a budget. Don't worry! While the prices here may border on cheap, the items definitely aren't! These places will help you look just as fabulous as Carrie Bradshaw for a quarter of the price!
New York Vintage Stores
Thrifting is the cheapest way to shop in the Big Apple. Fortunately, the city has countless vintage stores with high-quality secondhand pieces. You do, however, have to be careful which ones you check out. Many of
New York's best vintage shops, such as James Veloira or Pippin Vintage, specialize in old designer pieces with values that go up the more they age. You're better off going to places like L Train Vintage on 1st Avenue or the East Village Vintage Collective on E 12th Street.
Macy's
Yes, you read that right! The iconic Macy's Department Store made it onto this list! While it does feature famous designer labels and high-street brands that not many would call affordable, they're also not that expensive either. Moreover, Macy's is best known for its countless sales, discounts, and other promos. The store puts on sale after sale after sale, even when there's no
American holiday in sight. Such promos have even become what Macy's is known for, that and its famous Thanksgiving Parade, too.
Nordstrom Rack
Now, if you do prefer to shop designer in New York City but can't afford to spend your money at any of the iconic
American luxury retailers, there's always Nordstrom Rack. For one thing, the store has countless branches throughout the metropolis, almost to the point that every borough has at least one. As for the discounts, they can go as low as 50% to 70% off! Imagine getting your hands on the hottest Gucci bag at only a fraction of the retail cost!
Bloomingdale's Outlet
Located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the Bloomingdale's Outlet flagship store is a must for budgeted shoppers in New York City. Much like the actual store itself, this outlet store offers an entire treasure trove of the most coveted brands on the planet. You'll find familiar names like Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, Celine, Fendi, Prada, Marc Jacobs, and Ralph Lauren here. And the best part? They go as much as 70% off! Your next designer purchase is waiting for you here at Bloomingdale's Outlet!
JCPenney
Much like Macy's, JCPenney's has made a name for itself for its countless sales throughout the year. It's even come to the point that it's rarer for the famous department store to not have some sort of sale or promo on the weekends. Just pop up into the nearest branch and you're practically good to go! Unfortunately, the JCPenney in Manhattan has closed for good, but its branches in other
New York boroughs, namely Brooklyn and the Bronx, still stand.
Century 21
Want to get your hands on Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Tom Ford, or Celine at 65% off? Then head on over to Century 21 Mall at 22 Cortlandt Street. Much like many of the other outlets and department stores on this list, Century 21 consistently puts on sales and other exciting promos that help make luxury more affordable. Vintage-lovers out there will want to check out the mall's beloved selection of vintage bags, bearing such prestigious names like Chanel, Christian Dior, and Louis Vuitton, to name a few.
TJ Maxx
Don't let anyone shame you for shopping at TJ Maxx! The prices here may border on cheap, but the quality of its clothes and accessories is far from it. The store features such big-hitters like Nicole Miller, Marchesa, and Badgley Mischka, after all, beloved brands known for their exquisite cocktail dresses and evening gowns. So the next time you have to attend a wedding and you don't have the extra cash to shop at Saks, TJ Maxx is here to help! Fortunately, the store also has countless branches throughout various
neighborhoods in New York City.
Marshalls
Since it's owned by the same group as TJ Maxx, you just know that Marshalls is also a myriad of affordable, branded pieces. You'll find familiar names like Emory Park, Max Studio, Rachel Zoe, Shosanna, and Nancy Yang here, offering up quality dresses, separates, and more for as low as $15.00 per piece. Yes, you read that right! You can get an exquisite outfit for as little as less than $20.00 at Marshalls! So what are you waiting for?
Empire Outlet
You may have to go all the way to Staten Island to shop at Empire Outlet, but rest assured, it's worth the trip! True to its name, this fairly new shopping complex features countless well-known brands at only a fraction of the usual cost. Big names like H&M, The Gap, Charlotte Russe, Old Navy, and Nike set up outlet stores here, offering their popular pieces at much lower prices. You may not frequent Staten Island that much if you're from the other boroughs, but expect to come back here for more amazing deals!
Lot-Less
It's already in the name! Lot-Less sells everything from apparel to housewares to even technology at much lower prices compared to other stores in the city. What's great about it is that it doesn't just focus on clothes, unlike many other shops on this list. Here, you can get your hands on many quality pieces of furniture, kitchen equipment, and all sorts of other gadgets without draining your bank account! Lot-Less is practically a godsend for anyone who’s just
moved to New York City and needs new things to fill their new apartment.
High fashion doesn’t always mean high prices, even in the ever-glamorous New York City. Just as the city is famous for its luxurious department stores and high-end boutiques, the metropolis also offers budget-friendly options that will keep you looking fabulous.
