Shopping

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A city famous for its elegance and Bohemian chic, New York is a shopper's paradise, hawking everything from cutting-edge designer fashions to flea market bargains.

Markets
On weekends, the Antiques Garage Flea Market, 112 West 25th Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues), spreads an assortment of vintage goods. Along Broadway and Soho, street vendors that hawk almost everything.

Shopping centres
The mall at the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle houses a variety of upscale shops. Famous department stores include Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Avenue, and Macy's, Herald Square.

Key areas
The smartest shops are on Madison Avenue. Fifth Avenue is a magnet for the label conscious. Soho is the most European of the neighbourhoods. The East Village and the Lower East Side harbour street fashion, with vintage shops and music stores.

Shopping hours
Business areas open as early as 0800, while shops in Soho and the East Village open at 1200. Many stay open until at least 1900. Department stores are generally open Monday to Saturday 1000-2000 and Sunday 1200-1800.

Tax information
There’s a sales tax of 8.375% on most consumer goods (clothes and shoes are taxed at a lower rate - no tax under US$110, 4.375% over US$110). Visitors are unable to claim a tax refund.