Top 5 New York Must-Visit Stores

By Ashley McAfee, Guest Blogger

When visiting New York City, whether for the first time or the fifth, you’re going to find an overwhelming number of stores in different shopping districts. So which ones to prioritise? We’ve composed a list top five New York Must-Visit Stores that are iconic, exciting, and not to be missed!

1. Tiffany & Co.
727, 5th Avenue at 57th Street

Unsurprisingly first on our New York Must-Visit. This world-famous jewellers will truly live up to your expectations, and make you wish you had all the money in the world! Located on prestigious 5th Avenue, it’s a store which looks exactly like you see it in films, with a distinct air of sophistication and nostalgia. 4 floors of blissful, sparkling merchandise mean that you’ll definitely not want to leave without a little blue box of your own…

2. The Prada Epicenter
575, Broadway

Designer doesn’t get any better than this! Located in the Soho district of Manhattan, The Prada Epicenter is one of only three in the world (the others are situated in Beverly Hills and Tokyo). This concept store is highly original, with fascinating architectural design touches, including a huge ramp in the middle, which transforms to become a stage used for gigs at night. The exhibition – like store is, of course, full of very expensive products, but it’s worth a trip for its aesthetic design alone.

3. Sephora
Times Square Studios

There are many Sephoras located across the globe, but the beauty chain’s Times Square store is wondrously innovative, utilising digital and interactive technology. Island displays feature iPads, specially used to identify which perfume you are best suited to, and such is the technology that it sprays out samples of different perfumes for your delectation. Check out the digital foundation colour matching system, and take advantage of the opportunity to virtually try on nail polish before buying. The store stocks a huge amount of beauty brands, so make sure you take plenty of dollars (bought at great rates from Barrhead Travel, of course!), because this is the right place to treat yourself.

4. Kate Spade
789, Madison Avenue

You’ll find Kate Spade on the iconic Madison Avenue, in the Upper East Side area of Manhattan. The flagship shop’s interior design imitates an iconic American townhouse and has four floors, each more intriguing and awe-inspiring than the last. It’s a stunning environment which represents the brand through its visual merchandising – even in the store’s lift! Feminine, bright and colourful, this doesn’t feel like a retail space at all. The brand sells everything from womens wear to stationery, and so there’s something for everyone!

5. Cake Boss
625, 8th Avenue

Family owned Carlo’s Bakery in New Jersey became famous from the TV show Cake Boss and, due to its ensuing popularity, opened a store in the heart of Manhattan. This New York bakery is located only a five minute walk from Times Square, and sells the most heavenly cakes and mouth-watering chocolate covered strawberries. They also have a range of Cake Boss merchandise if you’re a fan! In store, there’s a glass window through to the kitchen, where you can actually watch the bakers creating the cakes whilst waiting on your order.