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Best Shopping Malls In New York City

29 April 2022 Written by Arpan

Home to famous hotels and Vrbo rentals with breathtaking views, New York is also one of the leading shopping destinations in the world. However, most first-time visitors never manage to have a fulfilling shopping experience because the city is huge and spread out. It is difficult to imagine that you could find the space here to accommodate giant, sprawling shopping malls.

Our goal is to make your future search to find some of the leading shopping spots in the city the least challenging. Some of our listed malls below are located right in the concrete jungle of Manhattan, while others are located in the outer boroughs.

The Big Apple is all about grandeur and trendsetting; it comes as no surprise that you will find some of the best shopping malls here in the world. For an immersive shopping experience — continue reading below to find out why we picked these 10 luxury shopping malls in NYC recommendations listed below as the best in New York City that you cannot miss. Some are tucked deep discretely within the concrete jungle of Manhattan, while others take up expansive parts of outer boroughs.

1. Brookfield Place

Brookfield Place

Brookfield Place (previously named the World Financial Center) is a shopping center and office building complex in the New York City borough of Manhattan. The Winter Garden Atrium is a 45,000 square feet, glass domed pavilion housing various plants, trees and flowers such as their notable indoor palm trees and shopping/cafes. During the September 11 attacks in 2001, debris severely damaged the lower lobby granite floors and glass. The World Financial Center underwent a $250M renovation and expansion project. In 2013, the leasable space on the lower floors of the office towers completed all the expansion conversions underwent to accommodate new retail — located in the Battery Park City neighborhood, across West Street NYC from World Trade Center, and overlooks the Hudson River, a few minutes’ walk from Westfield Mall.

The intent of Brookfield’s European-style marketplace and dining terrace is to drive more tourism in the area. This high-end mall is a great place worth visiting if you are not pleased with the variety you get at Westfield Mall. Though it’s relatively small and one of the smallest destinations listed in this article, it houses an adequate selection of luxury top exclusive international designer shops and brands, including Lululemon, Michael Kors, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, and more.

2. Westfield World Trade Centre
Westfield World Trade Centre

The Westfield World Trade Center is currently reputed as the most expensive shopping mall in Manhattan and probably the entire NYC. It is located right inside the Oculus and it houses more than 100 luxury stores and brands, with names such as Sephora, Victoria Secret, MAC, Apple, and Kiehl’s occupying some of its favorite spots. Due to its location and architecture, the shopping experience you get at the Westfield World Trade Center is extremely unique compared to what else is in NYC.

Westfield World Trade Center is located inside the sleek Oculus at the new World Trade Center Transportation Hub. It is the largest shopping complex in Lower Manhattan. The modern mall opened in 2016 and replaced the mall under the original World Trade Center, which was destroyed in the September 11 attacks in 2001. High-end shoppers can head to the more than 100 luxury stores, which include MAC, Sephora, Apple, and Lacoste. Once you’ve finished shopping, head over to one of the eateries. The mall offers over 30 choices, from delis and casual cafés to bars and fine dining. With eye-popping architecture inside and out and an excellent location near other tourist attractions, a WTC visit should be on every itinerary.

3. Macy's Herald Square
Macy's Herald Square

Macy's flagship store in Herald Square is an iconic attraction in New York City. The 11-storey mall comprises over 1.1 million square feet of retail space and is the world's largest Macy's. Covering an entire block on Broadway between 34th and 35th streets, the mall is stocked with shoes, clothing, cosmetics, accessories, housewares, furniture, and gifts from top fashion brands. You'll find Burberry, Calvin Klein, Levis, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, Clinique, and Estee Lauder, among many others.

Regarded as one of the USA’s oldest and largest department store chains, Macy’s was established in 1858 with 700+ iconic brands offering a first-class selection of top fashion brands including Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Clinique, Estée Lauder & Levi’s®. In addition to shoes and clothing, Macy's has a wide variety of housewares, gifts and furniture in the store.

For a more comfortable experience shopping, you may book a personal stylist service. Macy’s is often the talk of the town, especially during festive occasions like Christmas. The displays are especially very extravagant during November’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, the largest parade in the world, which is a tradition that has remained unchanged since 1924.

Thanks to its central location in Midtown Manhattan, you can easily reach Macy’s through New York’s public transportation system. The closest subway stops to the department store are Herald Square and Penn Station, both just 3 minutes away.

The department store is within a 5-minute walk of the Empire State Building, a popular skyscraper that sees over 4 million visitors annually. The observatories on the 86th & 102nd floor are must-visits to catch an above glimpse of New York City.

Its flagship store at Herald Square was originally built in 1902, covering over a total of 1.25 million square feet, and is most known for their elaborate seasonal window displays along the Broadway side often showing 6 different sceneries themes. Macy’s had initially only occupied a single building — today it covers almost a NYC block on Herald Square and 12 floors.

4. Bloomingdale's
Bloomingdale's

Iconic American luxury department store chain, Bloomingdale’s, has Its flagship store on 59th Street in New York City, a top favorite destination for upscale shoppers visiting the city. You can easily spend an entire day at the massive store. Besides their high-end fashion, decor, and houseware, visitors are free to enjoy a range of culinary delights thanks to the onsite restaurants or cafés, and download the free Bloomingdale’s mobile app with store maps, information on dining options, and offers to help enhance your time shopping. Bloomingsale’s New York City 815,000-square-foot flagship store carries various clothing products from brands from around the globe, like Israel, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Canada, and Japan.

In 1930, it became a part of Federated Department Stores. The retailer has an extensive reach in the United States with 54 stores, but the eye-catching Bloomingdale’s building in New York City remains its flagship store. The first item on display in the store was a hoop skirt that was popular in the 19th century. As a pioneer in the industry, Bloomingdale’s changed the landscape of retail fashion. Before they opened, the standard was for retailers to sell 1 type of clothing. Bloomingdale's hit the industry with a new approach, selling different kinds of European clothing from a broad range of brands. As the store grew, it also held fashion events and galas. It was one of the first stores to develop designer bags, which are now a feature in all stores and a popular fashion accessory. Visiting Bloomingdale’s is ideal for a satisfying shopping experience. Tons of luxury products are divided among the multiple floors and offer multilingual support for non-English-speakers or tourists.

The men’s section is on the lower floor, while the women’s areas are on the second, third, and fourth floors. Fashion events take place at the store throughout the year. The luxury store opened in 1861 by both Lyman G. and Joseph B. Bloomingdale.

5. Bergdorf Goodman

Bergdorf Goodman

This one is for the Upper East Side society doyennes and their teenage daughters, brides-to-be putting their registries together in the housewares section, and chic European tourists. Of all the famous department stores, Bergdorf Goodman makes a strong case for being the most iconic, always delivering on the promise of serious luxury and old-school glamor.

Bags and jewelry are displayed like works of art, the beauty department is a treasure trove of scent and color, and some would describe a visit to the shoe salon as a quasi-religious experience. Here you will be sure to find the latest collections from Gucci, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, as well as more trendy and younger brands like Rosie Assoulin and Gabriela Hearst.

There's also an uber-luxe homewares section, entire floors devoted to beauty and shoes, a full-service salon, a bridal atelier, and a pastel-hued restaurant with views of Central Park and a menu heavy on entreé salads. Don't skip the beauty floor in the basement. During the holidays, the window displays are often as much of an attraction as what's inside. And keep an eye out for sales—there are deals to be found twice a year. A New York landmark since 1901, Bergdorf Goodman represents the global pinnacle of style, service and modern luxury. With its rich history of showcasing leading and emerging designers, the iconic store at 5th Avenue and 58th Street - the crossroad of fashion - is a singular destination for discerning customers around the world. Across 5th Avenue, Goodman's Men's Store is an unrivaled standalone luxury specialty store.

BG.com expands on their heritage, showcasing coveted collections for all. The store moved to its present location at Fifth Avenue and 58th St in 1928, building its Beaux-Arts style Bergdorf Goodman Building on the site of the Cornelius Vanderbilt II House. He was unsure of the success of the new NYC location, as he was uncertain whether customers would follow the store uptown — which they most definitely did while also gaining customers. An early retail tenant was Van Cleef & Arpels.

NMG and our brands—Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call, and Horchow—are relationship businesses that lead with love for our customers, associates, brand partners, and communities. Our strategy of integrated luxury retail is about creating long-term relationships with our customers. It's this connection that creates emotional and high lifetime value potential. Leveraging the expertise of 9,000+ associates, NMG exhibits a growth mindset in how they choose to deliver their products across three different channels: in-store, ecommerce, and remote buying/selling. In addition, they are continuing to make investments in data and technology that allow them to scale a personalized shopping experience.

6. Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue

The premier luxury fashion destination in NYC is Saks Fifth Avenue, driven by a mission to help people express themselves through relevant and inspiring style. Since 1924, it has delivered one-of-a-kind shopping experiences, featuring an expertly curated assortment of fashion and highly personalized customer service. Saks Fifth Avenue's unique approach combines an emphasis on the digital customer experience with a strong connection to a network of 40 extraordinary stores across North America for seamless, all-channel shopping. Shop on saks.com and the Saks app, or visit saks.com to find a store location.

Saks Fifth Avenue has committed to stop selling products made using animal fur through a phased approach by the end of fiscal 2022. This includes both brand partner and private label merchandise sold online and in stores. With this decision, Saks Fifth Avenue will eliminate the sale of products made from animals that were raised for the use of their fur or those made with fur from wild animals. Shearling, goatskin, cattle hide, down, feathers, leather and faux fur products will continue to be sold online and in stores. Saks Fifth Avenue plans to close all of its fur salons by the end of fiscal 2021.

7. 75 Rockefeller Plaza

75 Rockefeller Plaza

75 Rockefeller Plaza is not just one of the iconic landmarks in New York, it is also one of the best shopping malls you will find in the city. The design of the plaza is nothing but impressive, with carefully crafted prime meeting locations, a transformed lobby, and a myriad of retail opportunities. Expect to find some of the country’s big retail names and brands occupying the best spots of the plaza’s retail section. Coming here will give you a chance to shop in one of the best malls.

8. The Shops at Columbus Square

The Shops at Columbus Square

The Shops at Columbus Circle is one of the few shopping malls you will find on the island of Manhattan. It is a modern and gigantic shopping complex, housing several luxury brands – both national and international. If you’re fond of fancy restaurants, you’ll be glad to know that The Shops is also the home to Per Se – one of the most luxurious restaurants.

The Shops at Columbus Circle is a traditional yet upscale shopping mall in the Time Warner Center in the heart of New York City. Whether you come to shop, people-watch, or enjoy a meal with a 2-storey view over Central Park, it's unlikely you'll get bored here. There’s also free Wi-F and H&M, Hugo Boss, J. Crew, Amazon Books, Michael Kors, Swarovski, and more.

It provides a nice place to take a break and enjoy a delicious snack before you proceed with your shopping adventures. You’ll find excellent choices to fuel your shopping spree, including Michelin-starred Chef Takayama Masa, Thomas Keller’s Per Se, as well as the voluptuous 12-foot-tall statues of Adam and Eve – by acclaimed Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

9. The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards

The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards

The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards is a magnificent indoor shopping complex located between 10th Avenue and 33rd Street, within the Hudson Yards complex in Manhattan. The complex is home to more than 200 shops, eateries, desserts spots, galleries, offices, modern residences, and cultural institutions. Irrespective of whatever shopping and culinary experiences you are looking for, all the Shops at Hudson Yards will most certainly meet your expectations.

The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards is a sprawling indoor shopping and dining hub in the buzzing Hudson Yards neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan. This is a popular spot for visitors and locals, with a hip, arty vibe and tons of incredible architecture to explore and shops to visit. The shopping mall is home to more than 100 shops and 20 restaurants.

Retail stores include Dior, Neiman Marcus, H&M, and Zara. While you’re here, take in spectacular 360-degree views of New York City from the top of the Edge observation deck. At 100 stories tall, it’s the highest sky desk in the Western Hemisphere. Across from the mall is Vessel. This spiral staircase allows visitors to climb almost 2,500 steps to enjoy marvelous city views.

10. Manhattan Mall

Manhattan Mall

Manhattan Mall is a relatively small shopping complex, located near Herald Square. It is in close proximity to the subway station and also the home to PATH Station. Additionally, it is just half a block from the Empire State Building and this implies that, in addition to 31 stores and restaurants, visitors also have exciting opportunities for sightseeing in and around NYC.

Manhattan Mall is a great little shopping mall 1 block from Herald Square and the Empire State Building. There's no parking lot available, but you can hop off the subway at the 34th Street–Herald Square station and walk to the mall in under 3 min. While you won't find luxury brands here, you can get good bargains at stores like Barnes and Noble, Hallmark, Aeropostale, Sunglasses Hut, and New York & Company. Also inside the mall is the fun-filled Rosé Mansion where you can sample rosé wine from around the world. During the interactive experience, you'll wander through a labyrinth of eccentric, Insta-worthy rooms, such as Cleopatra's Palace, a vintage airline lounge, and a treehouse. Occupying a total of 243,000 square feet, the Vornado Realty Trust retail property, Manhattan Mall, also has 1 million square-foot of office building space for businesses.

Centrally located in one of the highest foot traffic locations in the city, Manhattan Mall is within walking distance of Penn Station, Madison Square Garden and Macy's. Its close proximity to 11 subway lines also makes it one of the most accessible locations in NYC. Manhattan Mall is an indoor shopping mall located in New York City with over and services. Location at Sixth Avenue (from 32nd Street to 33rd Street) is very attractive and in the neighborhood you will find interesting shops and attractions, inducing Madison Square Garden, Penn Station, Empire State Building, many luxury hotels, and more.