Shopping • November 2014
How to survive New York’s Thanksgiving sales
Most cities shut down during a holiday weekend, but not New York – especially over Thanksgiving (27 November). Thanks to the Macy’s Parade, the city bursts with energy as larger-than-life balloons float through the Manhattan streets. And the crowds stick around the next day to make the most of the sales. Resident expert and Time Out New York shopping and style editor, Kevin Aeh shares his tips on how to do Black Friday – the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season – like a local
Yes, Macy’s is worth a visit
This huge department store in Herald Square on West 34th Street will no doubt be one of the busiest shopping destinations in the city, but it’s still worth a visit. Get a jumpstart by leaving your turkey dinner early on Thanksgiving Day – the store opens at 6pm this year. Top tip: before you take advantage of the colossal discounts, head downstairs to check your coat and bags to avoid overheating while scooping up deals.
Hit local holiday markets
Looking for creative, one-of-a-kind gifts? Skip the big chains and head to local holiday markets such as the Grand Central Holiday Fair – which takes place in the station’s Vanderbilt Hall – where 76 vendors offer a variety of items over the course of six weeks. Pick up anything from Heart Art’s quirky, heart-shaped mini sculptures and accessories to sustainable jewellery from Brooklyn designer Rebecka Froberg. Fun fact: This is the only indoor holiday market in the city.
Head to Williamsburg
This hip Brooklyn ’hood is now home to a surprising number of chains, such as J. Crew, Sandro and Diesel. And although Williamsburg is popular, these stores won’t be nearly as crowded as their Manhattan counterparts – but will still offer the same deals. It’s also worth checking out some of the neighbourhood’s boutiques, such as Bird (pictured), that usually offers a storewide sale, as well as lingerie boutique Brooklyn Fox, which slashed prices by 30 per cent last year.
Refuel without leaving the stores
Managing the Thanksgiving shopping crowds can work up a mean appetite. Refuel at shops that offer on-site eateries: the Uniqlo on Fifth Avenue has a Starbucks on its second floor, and the Urban Outfitters in Herald Square is also home to an Intelligentsia coffee shop. One of the best in-store restaurants is Rose Bakery in the year-old Dover Street Market in Murray Hill. Be warned: you probably won’t find too many door-buster deals here.
Shop local for gadgets
Sure, you could head to big retailers such as Best Buy (where the doors usually open at midnight on Black Friday) for the season’s hottest gadget – hello, iPhone 6/Apple Watch – but you’ll find less of a crowd (and good deals) at the smaller, local stores. AC Gears (pictured) in Greenwich Village has offered top deals on electronics at past Thanksgiving sales.
Pack a distraction
Let’s face it: queues are inevitable on the biggest shopping day of the year. Make sure your phone is loaded with your favourite apps, and bring a Kindle or book to help pass the time while you queue. Worried about draining your battery? Pop into one of the many Urban Outfitters in the city to take advantage of their free phone-charging stations.
This article has been tagged Fashion + Style, Destination