It’s not really a holiday, not technically. But you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn’t at least recognize Black Friday shopping as a momentous kickoff to the holiday season. What started as a retail price-slashing marketing campaign has since morphed into a full-blown shopping experience, inspiring people to take off work and miss important dates on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
And if you’re in New York City, which is already the shopping mecca of the incredible retail, Black Friday sales are downright gargantuan. To help you navigate the Big Apple’s Black Friday extravaganza, we’ve put together a shopping guide you should keep handy.
The Best Shopping Areas by Customer Reviews
From doorbuster deals from your favorite global retailers to unique boutiques and tucked-away gems, here are a few of the best places to find your gifts this Black Friday season. And this isn’t by any means an exhaustive list since New York City has so many storefronts and shopping adventures to experience. But if you’re trying to one-stop-shop your way through your Christmas shopping list, hit up these retail hotspots for sure.
Shopping at Columbus Circle: Small mall at Central Park, perfect for less crowded browsing experiences with both well-known brands and unique shops throughout.
SoHo Shopping: Area around Broadway in SoHo is a great shopping spot with luxury brands, boutiques, and artistic finds. Fun cafes here, too, perfect for shopping breaks with friends.
Meatpacking District Deals: At the High Line in downtown Manhattan you’ll find the most contemporary shopping area, with all the shops and restaurants you’ll enjoy. Your credit card might light up in flames with all the swiping you’ll do, especially when you pop into the shop where the Sex and the City girls bought their fun dresses.
Herald Square: New York City is the hub for many flagship stores, including this big hotspot where Macy’s calls home. H&M has opened up shop here, too, along with nearby storefronts for Victoria’s Secret, Zara, Footlocker, Gap, Mango, Levis, and Forever 21.
The Oculus: One of the newest shopping venues in NYC is close to One World Trade Center. The Oculus is a futuristic building, complete with a Christmas market and tons of great little stores.
Brookfield Place: Some of the best rooftop bars are in this neck of the woods, and you’ll find incredible retail adventures among the luxury brands here, including Burberry, Hermes, Salvatore Ferragamo, DVF, Gucci, and Tory Burch.
Lexington Avenue: Along the Upper East Side, you’ll find a treasure trove of shops from luxury brands like Zara to the iconic Bloomingdale’s.
Iconic Stores to Explore This Black Friday
Some of the most world-renowned and iconic retail brands call New York City home. Here are a few you can add to your Black Friday shopping pitstop list, especially when you’re looking for the best sales and deals.
Macy’s on 5th Avenue - 151 West 34th Street (between Broadway & 7th Avenue)
Bloomingdale’s - 1000 3rd Avenue (between 59th & 60th Street); 504 Broadway in SoHo
Tiffany & Co. - 1727 Fifth Ave., at 57th Street
Victoria’s Secret - More than 40 locations in New York (store finder)
SAKS Fifth Avenue - 5th Avenue, Midtown Manhattan
Nordstrom NYC - 225 W 57th Street
OMG The Jeans Store - Four locations, including the flagship store on Broadway between Walker and Canal Streets
H&M - 4 Times Square & Broadway; 1328 Broadway at Herald Square
The Best NYC Streets for Shopping Excursions
If you’re more interested in strolling this holiday shopping season, waiting for inspiration to take you, start your browsing on these New York City streets to find the most variety.
- Prince Street
- Mulberry Street
- West of Sixth Avenue between 14th & Houston
- Spring Street
- Lexington Avenue
- Hudson Yards
- Broadway (Midtown to Downtown)
- Herald Square
- Orchard Street
- Canal Street
- South Street at South Street Seaport
- Oculus Plaza
- Bleeker Street
- 5th Avenue
So, as you plan your Black Friday holiday shopping, keep this New York City Guide handy.
Stay in tune with all the upcoming holiday events and more right here. And let EMRG Media help you with all your upcoming event planning endeavors!