An Insider’s Guide to Shopping in New York City from a Fashion Expert

Just in time for the holiday season, celebrity stylist Erin Walsh offers her insider tips for exploring New York City’s vibrant shopping scene.

New York City has long been known as a retail hub, with its iconic streets lined with luxury flagship stores, historic department stores, and trendy independent boutiques. However, many out-of-towners tend to stick to the familiar chain stores of 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, and Herald Square.

“If you only visit those spots, you’re missing out on some hidden gems,” says Erin Walsh, a New York local and stylist to A-list celebrities like Anne Hathaway and Selena Gomez. A passionate shopper, Walsh has a deep love for the city. “I love New York so much,” she says. “Living here, it becomes part of your identity, and your heart beats with the city.”

For Walsh, the secret to shopping in New York is simple: “Get lost. The best surprises and inspirations come when you wander around.” But when Walsh says “get lost,” she means exploring specific “pockets” within her favorite neighborhoods to create unique experiences that go beyond just shopping. “I always consider the nearby restaurants,” she shares. “Places that feel cozy… it makes the experience even more enjoyable.”

Here’s her expert guide to exploring New York City’s shopping scene by getting lost in the best spots.

1. Best for Women’s Fashion: SoHo (Between West Broadway and Broadway)

Walsh often divides neighborhoods into smaller “micro-neighborhoods” for the ultimate shopping experience, and one of her favorites is the cobblestone stretch of West Broadway and Broadway in SoHo. Known for its artsy vibe, SoHo boasts an impressive array of boutiques, and Walsh highlights The Webster, Kate Spade, and Chloé as her top luxury brand spots. She also loves exploring indie boutiques like Kirna Zabête on Mercer Street, which offers a carefully curated mix of both established and emerging designers.

While in this part of SoHo, Walsh makes sure to visit “special places” like La Mercerie, a spot that doubles as a restaurant and showroom, where everything in the restaurant is available for purchase — even flowers. Afterward, she recommends winding down with a visit to Balthazar, a renowned restaurant and bar.

2. Best for Men’s Shopping: The Bowery

For her male clients and loved ones, Walsh heads to the industrial Bowery neighborhood in downtown Manhattan, a gritty area she fondly describes as “woodsy” and “underrated.” The section around The Bowery Hotel is home to some of her favorite shops, like John Derien on 2nd Street, which she calls her “Christmas problem solver.” She also always stops by Dashwood Books on Bond Street, a spot that’s become her husband’s favorite bookstore. This cozy stretch is filled with a mix of unique shops, including the Goop store, creating a special collection of boutiques perfect for a day of shopping.

3. Best for Traditional Holiday Shopping: Midtown

New York City’s shopping experience is truly magical, especially during the winter holidays, with scenes straight out of Miracle on 34th Street. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on 5th Avenue attracts crowds every year, while the luxurious shops at Rockefeller Center, with their iconic Christmas tree, are a must-see. The elaborate holiday window displays at the historic department stores on 5th Avenue, like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks, are legendary in their own right.

While locals tend to avoid the holiday chaos of Midtown, especially with the throngs of tourists, Walsh always makes it a point to visit. “You have to experience Midtown during the holidays,” she says. “It’s just so special. Even with my kids, taking them to see the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, even when it’s so crowded you can barely move—it’s magical.”

4. Best for Home Interiors: Tribeca and the West Village

Walsh, who studied theater at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, has a deep appreciation for home interiors, finding joy in layering textures and creating warm spaces within New York City’s small apartments. “If you’re living with an aesthetic, the spaces you allow into your energy really impact how you feel,” she explains.

For beautifully designed home goods and unique gifts, Walsh heads to the sophisticated Tribeca and the charming streets of the West Village. “I’ve given rugs, furniture pieces, trays, books. A robe also makes for a lovely gift,” she says. “I think gifts should make people feel seen and held.”

She also enjoys shopping for candles and fragrances, believing they make for surprising and thoughtful gifts. “People often say you shouldn’t buy candles, but I think the best gifts are the ones where you take a little risk.”

5. Best for Kids: SoHo (Between Thompson and West Broadway)

For children’s shopping, Walsh returns to artsy SoHo, focusing on the two-block stretch at the western edge of the neighborhood. She particularly recommends Bonpoint on West Broadway, which she considers a go-to for children’s designer clothes in the area. “There are so many adorable kids’ shops here, and you really find them by wandering around,” she shares.

Another favorite is Makie on Thompson Street, known for its beautifully designed children’s clothing that combines Japanese and Scandinavian influences. To top off the experience, she suggests stopping by Ladurée on West Broadway for their signature macarons, a treat that will delight both adults and kids alike.

6. Best for Quiet Luxury: The Upper East Side, Around The Mark Hotel

For Walsh, the Upper East Side’s Madison Avenue, particularly around The Mark Hotel, is the ultimate destination for quiet luxury shopping. Before diving into the area’s boutiques, she recommends a visit to Georgia Louise Atelier on 71st Street for a rejuvenating facial and a luxury beauty haul featuring high-tech skincare tools or products from Louise’s own line.

Once refreshed, Walsh suggests exploring the avenue’s upscale shops, including Sidney Garber for fine jewelry, Ralph Lauren, and La Ligne, a boutique she loves for its cozy sweaters. “I could gift a La Ligne sweater to nearly anyone, and they’d be thrilled,” she shares. To complete the experience, Walsh advises stopping by the Gagosian art gallery and ending the day with a drink at The Mark Hotel, capping off the perfect luxury shopping outing.