New York shopping

New York is the most populous city in the United States. A power packed city, New York dominates global commerce, finance, media, fashion and entertainment, among other defining parameters. It is an important centre for international affairs and the United Nations has its headquarters here.

The city, on the Atlantic coast, consists of five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Times Square, "The Crossroads of the World", is an important centre of the world's entertainment industry. Wall Street, in Lower Manhattan, is the fiscal bedrock of New York City, the financial capital of the world.

New York City is a global entity and, with London and Tokyo, one of three command "command centres" for the world economy. Finance and insurance in the United States revolves around New York. According to media analyses, New York controlled 40% of the world's finances by the end of 2008, making it the largest financial centre in the world. 44 Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in New York City, along with many major foreign corporations.

Midtown Manhattan is the largest central business district in the United States and the horizon is lost in the massive maze of the city's skyscrapers. Lower Manhattan is the third largest central business district in the United States, housing The New York Stock Exchange, located on Wall Street, and the NASDAQ, representing the world's first and second largest stock exchanges. 35% of the city's employment income comes from financial services. Manufacturing accounts for a large but slowly dwindling share of employment. Though garments, chemicals, metal products, processed foods, and furniture are some of its principal products, it is recommended that investments be considered in Technical or Smart Fibres, based on the rapidly burgeoning field of Nanotechnology.

With so much to see and do, a trip to NYC may seem daunting. Shopping in the city is a good way to pass time and also learn about the city. And reduce your bank balance!

Markets

Department Stores
There are a plethora of shopping centres, mainly Department Stores and a short list of 15 as well as a few popular malls is placed below. Full details are available on their websites.

Bergdorf Goodman
Bergdorf Goodman is an upper end store for a conservative and sophisticated clientele, offering a pricey selection of furs and clothing for both men and women.
Website: www.bergdorfgoodman.com

Bloomingdale's
Bloomingdale's is synonymous with New York. It stocks anything and everything, from kid’s wear to exclusive lingerie. Website: www.bloomingdales.com

Henri Bendel
This is an exclusive store for women’s cosmetics and designer clothing and requires a fat wallet. Bobbi Brown, MAC, and Trish McEvoy cosmetics are sold here, as well as Earl Jeans and Shoshanna dresses, Sophia Kokosalaki designs plus customised bath, powder and dressing rooms. Website: www.henribendel.com

Lord & Taylor
Lord & Taylor stands for extremely high quality merchandise, service and price. They deal in everything, from fine jewellery to designer clothing. Their website is ordinary
www.lordandtaylor.com, as they prefer service tete-a-tete. Their address Is 424 Fifth Avenue at 38th Street; phone (212) 391-3344.

Macy's
There is little one can say about this complex, as it is a byword for quality. They deal in anything from the latest in designer fashions from Guess and Esprit to Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan and Calvin Klein to Nintendo's Games. Their website is www.macys.com

Saks Fifth Avenue
Another unforgettable name in shopping complexes. It doesn’t require a high IQ to say that they are located in the heart of the New York's Fifth Avenue shopping district. Their website is: www.saksfifthavenue.com

American Girl Place
The 43,000-square-foot emporium houses a full line of miniature (18”) historical dolls dressed in period clothes. Dolls have their own hair salon It is a fun place for girls who hate to leave, once inside. This complex is located in the heart of Manhattan. Website: www.americangirl.com

Barneys New York
Barneys’ Madison Avenue flagship is the last word in designer fashion. There are over 300 designers outfits on show at this complex. Prices start from the average and start to shoot as you delve further. Website: www.barneys.com

H&M
H&M have 5 stores in the Big Apple, and this Swedish chain manages to sell the fashion of the moment at amazingly low prices. It is invariably crowded inside, mainly with the
younger generation. Website: www.hm.com

Zara
Zara has eight branches in the big Apple. This Spanish label offers the latest in runway designs at moderate prices, with an emphasis on the trend of the moment. Zara also offers handbags, men's and women's shoes. Website: zara.com

Apple Store SoHo.
Buy the iPhone 4 at the nearest Apple Retail Store and get the accompanying free Personal Setup. Due to very high demand, the iPhone 4 is on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to two per person. Or buy an iPad instead, with free Personal Setup. Website: www.apple.com/retail/soho

Bergdorf Goodman
The Fall Collection has arrived and those who can afford the trendy prices are making a beeline for the superstore on 5th Avenue. Donna Karan’s creations are on display. Also in are Dolce & Gabbana and Jane Post. The colour story seems to be pink and purple. Sales are on alongside with up to 60% off. Website: www.bergdorfgoodman.com

Niketown
The famed Nike swoosh is everywhere in both stores, 6 East 57th Street; and 57th and 5th. Step in for the full line of Nike products, shoes, clothes, etc. Website: niketown.nike.com

Century 21
The department store to go to for leftovers and get up to 40% off. This store is very popular with shoppers of all ages. Website: www.century21deptstores.com

Madison Avenue
In just 15 blocks, you will come across the following stores, listed alphabetically:
Ann Taylor, 645 Madison Ave.; Baccarat, 625 Madison Ave.; Bally of Switzerland, 628 Madison Ave.; Barney's New York, 660 Madison Ave.; Calvin Klein, 654 Madison Ave.; Christofle, 680 Madison Ave.; Coach, 710 Madison Ave.; Crate & Barrel, 650 Madison Ave.; DKNY, 655 Madison Ave.; Dolce & Gabbana, 825 Madison Ave.; Emanuel Ungaro, 792 Madison Ave.; Erica Wilson, 717 Madison Ave.; FAO Schwarz, 767 Fifth Avenue; Fred Leighton, 773 Madison Ave.; Georg Jensen, 683 Madison Ave.; Gianni Versace, 815 Madison Ave.; Giorgio Armani, 760 Madison Ave.; Joan & David, 816 Madison Ave.; Krizia, 769 Madison Ave.; La Perla, 777 Madison Ave.; Madison Ave. Books, 833 Madison Ave.; Moschino, 803 Madison Ave.; Peress, 739 Madison Ave.; Peter Fox, 806 Madison Ave.; Pierre Deux, 625 Madison Ave.; Polo, 867 Madison Ave.; Polo Sport, 888 Madison Ave.; Prada, 841 Madison Ave.; Pratesi, 829 Madison Ave.; Sherry Lehman, 679 Madison Ave.; Suzanne, 700 Madison Ave.; Timberland, 709 Madison Ave.; Valentino, 747 Madison Ave. and Yves St. Laurent, 855 Madison Ave. The layout is at http://www.nyctourist.com/shopping_madisonave.htm

If you are a Mall Junkie, then check out the following malls:

• Kings Plaza Shopping Center & Marina 5100 Kings Plaza, Brooklyn, (718) 253-6842
• Manhattan Mall 6th Ave and 33rd Street, (212) 465-0500
• Queens Center 90-15 Queens Blvd. @ Woodhaven Blvds., (718) 592-3900
• Staten Island Mall 2655 Richmond Avenue, (718) 761-6800
• South Street Seaport 12 Fulton Street, (212) 732-7678
• Trump Tower 725 Fifth Avenue at 56th Street, (212) 832-2000
• Takashimaya 693 Fifth Avenue at 54th Street, (212) 350-0100