New York is every shopper's dream holiday location. Well, if you consider a week of non-stop bargain-hunting a holiday, that is. However, most people visiting Manhattan for the first time are hardcore shopping virgins. Here are some ways to make the most of your oh-so-precious time in the Big Apple:
1) Pick the right time of the year.
Let's be realistic here. We all want to go on holidays in the middle of July because it's sunny and it seems like it would be the best time to shop anywhere. Well, that's not true, especially when it comes to New York. Shopping in a city of that size mid-summer is like walking around an oven. Mix the heat with the population of Manhattan PLUS the summer tourists and you're sweltering before you've even left your hotel. The ideal time of the year for shopping in New York is the end of November (i.e. Thanksgiving/Black Friday). Temperatures are way cooler and the sales are way better. It's a win-win situation.
2) Be familiar with the street names.
There's nothing worse than getting to New York, seeing how daunting the place is and realising you haven't the first idea of where to start shopping. Before you get there, make yourself familiar with the different avenues and streets, find out where your favourite shops are located and make a plan of action. Far too much time is wasted roaming the streets of Manhattan, not knowing your right from your left.
3) Go with an empty suitcase.
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Most people that visit New York are there for one reason and one reason alone - the sales. When you spend that much money on flights and accommodation, there's no way you're flying home with the same shit you brought with you. Speaking from experience, the best way to make the most of your shopping trip is to wear old raggy clothes over and shop for all your new, elegant outfits, and then dump them when you're leaving to go home.
4) Wake at the crack of dawn.
It's no good strolling into the shops at 10:30am, expecting the bargains to come flying in your direction. Shopping is a serious business in New York. Some may even call it a profession. If you're not ahead of the pack, shopping in Manhattan will be like shopping in Penneys on a Saturday - dismal and draining.
5) Wear sturdy shoes.
When we think of New York, we think of high-rise buildings, yellow taxis and fabulous people going about their day, looking like they just got off the catwalk. Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try, we are not those people. We are tourists; amateur shoppers at best. We don't have the level of expertise required to jet around the city in five-inch heels for an hour, never mind for the day. Manhattan is a huge place, meaning there is a shitload of walking, and it is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Train for New York as if you were training for a marathon.
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6) Avail of discount coupons on store websites.
What most people don't realise is that many of the top stores in New York give out discount coupons and discount codes on their websites every day. Printing off a handful (or a handbagful) of these coupons can save you hundreds of dollars throughout your shopping spree. The likes of Macy's, JC Penney and TJ Maxx are all a good bet for online coupons.
7) Bring your passport with you when you're shopping.
And I'm not just saying this for safety reasons. It may not be advertised on their websites as such, but many of the big department stores (see above) offer discounts in-store for overseas travellers. Yes, you get a discount because you're foreign. If that's a form of discrimination, it's a damn good one. All you have to do is present your I.D at the counter and boom, discounts all around.
8) Don't dismiss the outlet malls.
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Because Manhattan is such a massive district itself with hundreds and hundreds of shops, it's very easy to forget all about the outlet malls outside the city. Woodbury Common is a very popular outlet mall for avid shoppers and is only an hour from Manhattan by bus. Trust me, the bargains you'll find in all the retailers out there make it worth the bus journey. Another popular outlet mall is Jersey Gardens. Again, this is about an hour's bus journey from the city. Have a look online at which shops tickle your fancy in each of the outlet malls and make a list of the ones you want to visit. This can save a hell of a lot of time in the long haul.
9) Know the location of every Starbucks within walking distance.
You may not appreciate the wonders of Starbucks right now but believe me, after spending a few nights in New York you sure as hell will. Starbucks in New York is so different to Starbucks at home. The variety of coffees are greater, the staff are friendlier and it's hilarious when they can't spell your name 'cause they've never heard of it. It even tastes better in New York.
10) Keep small change handy for taxis and subways.
Even though it's a lot cheaper to just walk around the city, it's always nice having the option to rest your weary legs for a few minutes while someone else whizzes you through the streets. Also, small change doesn't always necessarily mean coins. Don't forget that one dollar coins don't exist in America; they're actually notes.
11) Be prepared to get down and dirty in the shops.
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By that, I don't mean offering yourself up for sexual favours every time a member of staff says hello. I mean be ready to fight for the things you want to buy because every woman and her mother will be there for the bargains as well. If you see something you like, grab it. Don't stand there pondering the pros and cons. It's not like at home where people will walk around you and come back when you've decided. No, in New York it's every ruthless man for himself.
12) If it looks good in red, get it in blue as well.
That applies for every item of clothing in every colour you can find. If it's cheap and you like it, why the hell wouldn't you buy it in a few colours? There's no point getting back to the hotel and realising it would've been lovely in blue and white as well. By the time you traipse your way back to the shop, someone else will be at home trying it on.
13) Don't underestimate NYC traffic.
Driving through the city can be difficult at the best of times, so make sure you give yourself plenty of breathing room when you're going to the airport. Particularly if your flight is in the evening. There really is nothing worse than getting stuck in gridlock in downtown Manhattan.
14) Wear seven layers on your flight home.
A lot of first-time shoppers fall for this trap every time. It's vital to check how many kgs you're allowed in your suitcase on your flight before you leave the city. If you're caught with a suitcase that is over the allowed weight, you will be forced to say goodbye to some of your lovely purchases. To avoid this mishap, pile on as many items of clothing as you possibly can before you hit the airport. No-one said nothin' about weighing each person at check-in.
