Macy's, New York City

We didn’t particularly come to New York to shop (it’s not Chris’s idea of a holiday and in any case the fast changing exchange rate made things less of a bargain than they had been in the past). But we couldn’t pass by Macy’s without checking out what claims to be the world’s largest department store. A New York institution since it first opened in the mid nineteenth century, Macy’s has occupied this prime spot on Herald Square since 1902. Although it is now a huge company with many outlets, this flagship store retains something of that sense of history, including the old wooden escalators from that time.

Macy’s also hosts a number of events during the year. We didn’t spot anything particular happening on this visit, but we still have special memories of the 1982 exhibition staged here – Touch the Moon at Macy’s. The star exhibit was a piece of moon rock which visitors were permitted to touch so I can genuinely claim to have touched the moon! Macy’s also of course sponsors the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and other big annual events such as 4th of July fireworks.

What to buy: We were coming towards the end of a long day’s sightseeing on this occasion so we had a fairly quick look round. But I did take the time to stock up on some of my favourite Clinique products as they were quite a bit cheaper than in the UK and a little less than Duty Free prices.

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If you are looking for a Macy bag then head downstairs to the basement. This department store has some wonderful preserved features such as the old wooden elevators. To be honest it is just so big in here I was too overwhelmed to shop

Macy's is helping nonprofit organizations like WellPetUSA with their financial goals through their Shop For A Cause program. Making a $5 tax deductable donation will entitle you to 20% off regular merchandise and 10% off furniture, mattresses and rugs in any store nationwide on September 20, 2008 (some designer bags ar eexempt, this is stated ont he pass.)
Shop For A Cause day is one of the many ways it gives back to the community. Shoppers can donate to a worthwhile charity (such as WellPetUSA) and can get significant discounts on their shopping purchases all day. In addition, you can fill out your ticket and drop it at a collection box at any Macy's store on that day for a chance to win a $500 gift card.

You only have to purchase $25 worth of merchandise to make back the cost of your donation!

And ... it's tax deductable!!! If you provide your contact information at the time of donation, each donor will receive a letter from WellPetUSA for the fair market value of their donation for tax purposes at the end of the 2008.

Purchase you pass here and get enjoy your shopping frenzy!
http://wellpetusa.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43&Itemid=52

What to buy: This pass is great for wedding gifts and Christmas/holiday presents that you can have shipped home.
Pass is good for sale and full price items so score a Diane VF or Nicole Miller dress. I'm buying shoes b/c the selection in NY is rediculous!

What to pay: Must be purchased by August 31st.

A huge sign outside reads –‘The World’s largest store’. Well, it is a very big store, and reminds a lot of stores in Europe like the Ka Dee Wee in Berlin. The friendliness of the staff is very noticeable. Remember that foreigners can get discount!

What to buy: Whatever you need, especially clothing

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I hadn't really planned on going to Macy's but as we were walking on 34th street, we decided to go in to see how big it really was. Well, it's huge! Serious shoppers could easily spend an entire day there. The store runs along 34th Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue, and has at least 7 floors if I remember correctly. It is however very easy to get around this store, as each floor is separated into two sections and there are plenty of indications. The merchandise all seemed to be reasonably priced, and there were also many sales racks (where I found a great sweater for only $5!). Since we were there in November, the store was nicely decorated for Christmas, and we got to see the giant ball they would later drop at Times Square on New Year's Eve. So even if you don't really plan on buying anything (but be warned that it's really hard to leave Macy's without a shopping bag), it's still worth going in just to take a look around.

Macy's is open everyday from 10:00 am to 9:30 pm (11:00 am to 8:30 pm on Sundays).

What to buy: Be on the lookout for sales - you can get really good deals.

What to pay: Same as other department stores

...you'll never become one! Macy's is HUGE! It's the world's biggest shopping centre with a men's department that is bigger than three German shopping centres! Don't ask me, how much stuff there is for women...
Located conveniently at 6th/7th Avenue (it takes a whole block!), Macy's is your starting point for a shopping tour in Midtown. I went there for window shopping only, but came out again with two jeans and a new coat. I could have bought thousand of things more. Addiction to shopping has never been so serious for me!
As a tourist, you should definitely go for the Macy's tourist bonus card (it's called somehow different, but that's basically what it is). This bonus card is valid for 30 days and gives you a 11% discount on everything you shop at any one Macy's in the world.

What to buy: Shop til you drop! Never mind what!

What to pay: depending on what you go for, you can actually get cheap stuff at Macy's - especially with the above mentioned bonus card

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Claiming to be the World's largest department store, Macy's is indeed massive. I usually walk through the place when I am in New York and I am bewildered by the sheer size of the store. It rises ten stories and seems to sell everything you can imagine. The prices here extend across a wide range for all pockets. Personally I thought most of the men's clothes kind of bland and not to my taste. I don't use department stores much and think they might be a thing of the past but people still come here in droves.

What to buy: They have everything but it is especially popular for clothing, perfumes and jewellery.

Macy's has just about everything you need in the way of clothes, shoes and beauty! Its' great as you can but all the designer brands at a fraction of the cost they are in Ireland & England. This store is amazing it just goes up and up and up. If you've never been to New York before all the big department stores are like this - elevator after elevator and most of them are around 11 stories high! Macy's has a great Christmas Store and you can buy just about every decoration you can think of there!

What to buy: lots and lots of Christmas Decorations!

This is not widely advertised at Macy's. If you are an International visitor, you can save 11%. Go to Customer Service and show them your passport as proof of being a non-resident of the USA. You will be given a coupon for 11% savings on ALL of your shopping at Macy's. The coupon is good for 3-days. Unfortunately, in NYC this about covers your sales tax. This is good at all of the Macy's in the USA, so if you're planning on traveling to other states, you can probably save on the sales tax. If you don't have your passport with you, you can probably still get the coupon. My friend's UK accent was good enough for the customer service rep. Make sure to confirm that the 11% discount is still being offered before you fill up your shopping basket. These kind of deals tend to come and go without warning in the USA.

Macy's flagship shop in Manhattan boasts to be 'the largest store in the world' and you know what? I believe them :)

This store is so huge I got lost going from the men's department to the household department.

If you haven't shopped at Macy's before it is a rather upscale chain of department stores. It's a good place to buy both everyday work clothing and nice going out clothing. They have a pretty wide selection of clothes for both genders.

The New York flagship store is famous for its holiday decoration and the Thanksgiving parade. The household furnishing department is also an excellent place to shop for gifts like crystal, photo frames or silverwares.

Before shopping, go to their customer service department and upon showing a photo ID you will be given a visitor coupon worth 15% discount that is good for 5 days.

This is overall a great store but it is also very popular so get ready to feel a little bit claustrophobic inside :p