Shopping in New York: 4 of the Big Apple’s most iconic stores

In typical rags to riches style, many of New York’s most iconic stores started out from humble beginnings as small family businesses. Department stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s might be formidable enterprises these days, but once they were just the pipe dreams of plucky entrepreneurs.

Macy’s Herald Square

West 34th Street is home to Macy’s Herald Square, the flagship store of this classic American company. This shop is a New York City icon, covering an entire block and rising to 11 floors from the streets of Manhattan below.

You’ll find pretty much everything in Macy’s, from the latest fashion to one-off gifts and accessories. Styling itself as the ‘World’s Largest Department Store’, Macy’s has become part of the fabric of New York – it even has its own Thanksgiving Day Parade, much loved by NYC residents and tourists alike. Macy’s began as a small dry goods business in the 1850s; today there are hundreds of Macy’s stores across the USA.

Bloomingdale’s 59th Street

Affectionately known as ‘Bloomies’ by the locals, this luxury shop is the place to go if you are looking for clothing, footwear, beauty products or pretty things for your home. Shopping here is an exciting experience as the store can get very busy, particularly during holiday season and big sales days. If you have a substantial amount of retail therapy in mind during your time in New York with Titan you’re in luck, as Bloomingdale’s has a concierge and personal shopping service for big spenders. Talk about indulgent!

Saks Fifth Avenue

Another New York favourite, the name Saks Fifth Avenue conjures up images of fur coats, The Great Gatsby and the lifestyle of America’s rich and famous. You can still feel the influence of the store’s 1920’s origins as you walk through it today. Defiantly high end in an age of one-click online purchases, a trip to Saks Fifth Avenue offers a glimpse into a forgotten age of glamour and razzle-dazzle. If you love jewellery, handbags and perfume you will be right at home - just make sure you have enough space in your suitcase for all those impulse buys…

Tiffany & Co Fifth Avenue and 57th Street

If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then Tiffany’s is the friendliest shop on the planet. This stylish granite and limestone building on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street is undoubtedly one of the most famous names in world shopping, particularly since it was the spot where Audrey Hepburn filmed parts of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

As soon as you walk inside you will be treated to a glittering array of extraordinary jewellery - engagement rings, brooches, watches and necklaces designed by the best designers in the world. The world of Tiffany’s is magical and the heritage is undeniable. Take time to appreciate the magnificent Tiffany Diamond on proud display on the Main Floor.

New York’s most famous stores stock a bewildering variety of goods, and they also ooze luxury and glamour. On some of Titan’s tours, including our New York, New York trip, you will have a couple of free days to pick up souvenirs. 

Find out more about our holidays in New York.