How to Shop Cheap in New York. A shopper could purchase anything in his or her imagination when shopping the streets of New York City. There's a store with everything, for everyone. From vintage used clothing to high-end designer items, the price ranges span the spectrum. Learn what to read and where to go to shop cheap in New York.
Read the New York Times. Even non-residents can subscribe to the paper. It's a great resource to learn more about the city, but for shoppers, it's the ideal spot to look at ads for boutiques, shops and department stores, and it will feature information about ongoing and upcoming sales. Discount coupons are another bonus.
Check out New York Magazine, available online at nymag.com. This publication features a 12-month New York sales calendar, giving you plenty of advance notice on all the big sales happening at popular New York shopping destinations. This can be a great way to find special deals and designer brands for less.
Avoid high-end designer stores, like the popular shops on Fifth Ave. and those located in the other upscale Manhattan neighborhoods. These big-ticket items are not designed for the budget conscious.
Visit local college campuses, such as New York University (NYU). Find out where their students shop simply by asking. Chances are these students will know where the deals are, since shopping on a budget is typically a college student's way of life.
Consult guides written about New York where the focus is experiencing the city cheaply. These authors have typically scoped out the city to find the best places to go for bargains--getting quality items for less. A few to mention include Mr. Cheap's New York and Cheap Thrills New York.
Head to Chinatown. These area is historically known for being the place to go to bargain for goods of all types. It's expected to ask for a lower price when shopping these open markets.