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Macys
New-York
A four-story sign on the side of the building trumpets MACY'S, THE WORLD'S LARGEST STORE -- a hard fact to dispute, since the 10-story behemoth covers an entire city block, dwarfing even Bloomie's on the other side of town. Macy's is a hard place to shop: The size is unmanageable, the service is dreadful, and the incessant din from the crowds on the ground floor alone will kick your migraine into action. But they do sell everything. Massive renovation over the past few years has redesigned many departments into more manageable \"ministores\" -- there's a Metropolitan Museum Gift Shop, a Swatch boutique, and cafes and makeup counters on several floors -- but the store's one-of-a-kind flair is just a memory now. Still, sales run constantly, holiday or no (1-day sales are popular on Wed and Sat), so bargains are guaranteed. And because so many feel adrift in this retail sea, the store provides personal guides/shoppers at no charge. My advice: Get the floor plan and consult it often to avoid wandering off into the sportswear netherworld. At Christmastime, come as late as you can manage (the store is usually open until midnight in the final shopping days before the holiday).A four-story sign on the side of the building trumpets

Manolo-Blahnik
New-York
These wildly sexy women's shoes are notorious for their cut and sway and the way they shape the leg. Most famous are the catch-me-if-you-can high heels, but there are plenty of flats and low heels, too. Custom shoes in your own fabric are also a possibility.These wildly sexy women's shoes are notorious for their cut

Maxilla-and-Mandible
New-York
This shop is not affiliated with the American Museum of Natural History, but a visit here makes a good adjunct to your trip to the museum (which is around the corner). It may look like a freak shop at first glance, but it's really a fascinating natural-history emporium. Inside you'll find unusual rocks and shells from around the world, luminescent butterflies in display boxes, even surprisingly affordable real fossils containing prehistoric fish and insects that come with details on their history and where they were excavated. There's also a good variety of natural-history-themed toys for the kids.This shop is not affiliated with the American Museum of

McNultys-Tea-and-Coffee-Company
New-York
McNulty's has been around since 1895, making it one of the oldest coffee purveyors in the country. And it still has that old-time feel, with overflowing sacks of coffees and rare teas cluttering the quaint West Village store -- and they roast their own coffees right there. The Colombia Supremo is as perfect as it gets, and I can't leave the store without my monthly fix of Italian roast espresso.McNulty's has been around since 1895, making it one of

Metropolitan-Museum-of-Art-Store
New-York
Given the scope of the museum itself, it's no wonder that the gift shop is outstanding. Many treasures from the museum's collection have been reproduced as jewelry, china, and other objets d'art. The range of art books is dizzying, and upstairs is an equally comprehensive selection of posters and inventive children's toys.Given the scope of the museum itself, it's no wonder

Mets-Clubhouse-Shop
New-York
Stop in for goods galore -- baseball caps, T-shirts, posters, Piazza jerseys, '69 Miracle Mets memorabilia, and much more amazin' merchandise. You can buy regular-season game tix here, too.Stop in for goods galore -- baseball caps, T-shirts, posters,

Michaels
New-York
This consignment boutique boasts top-drawer designer wear for women -- including such names as Chanel, YSL, Prada, Gucci, Richard Tyler, and Escada -- at a fraction of the original cost. The bridal salon is an unbeatable find for engaged gals looking for a top-quality dress at an off-the-rack price.This consignment boutique boasts top-drawer designer wear for women --

Modells
New-York
I confess, like the annoying ad, I often \"gotta go to Mo's.\" And I have my reasons. The best is the very reasonable prices, especially for sneakers and other footwear. Another is the excellent selection of team apparel; I can get my retro New York Giant football cap at half the price that they sell it at Giants' Stadium. And there are stores in practically every neighborhood, making it very convenient to \"go to Mo's.\"I confess, like the annoying ad, I often \"gotta go

MoMA-Design-Store
New-York
Across the street from the Museum of Modern Art is this terrific shop, whose stock ranges from museum posters and clever toys for kids to fully licensed reproductions of many of the classics of modern design, including free-form Alvar Aalto vases, Frank Lloyd Wright chairs, and Eames recliners. If these high-design items are out of your reach, choose from plenty of more affordable outré home accessories. The SoHo store is equally fabulous.Across the street from the Museum of Modern Art is

Mood-Indigo
New-York
This dandy of a shop is the city's top dealer in glassware, dishware, and kitchen accessories from the 1930s through the 1950s. The charming shopkeepers also specialize in Bakelite jewelry and 1939 World's Fair memorabilia and boast a whopping collection of 1950s novelty salt and pepper shakers and even Stork Club cologne (now what could that smell like?). Everything is pristine, so expect to pay accordingly.This dandy of a shop is the city's top dealer

Morningside-Bookshop
New-York
Right across the street from Columbia University, this is the Upper West Side's best independent bookstore. It's a great place to browse, not only inside, but outside in the remainders bins where you never know what treasures you might find. The store is a favorite with children (and their parents); every Wednesday afternoon there is a sing-a-long by children's entertainer, Danna Banana. For the adults, the store hosts a number of book signings by celebrated authors (many of whom live in the neighborhood). Right across the street from Columbia University, this

Morrell-and-Company
New-York
One of the leading retailers in America boasts a friendly, helpful staff and has a Fine Wine Division that hosts high-profile auctions. Adjacent is the Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe (tel. 212/262-7700; www.morrellwinebar.com), an ideal place to sample the goods.One of the leading retailers in America boasts a friendly,

Moss
New-York
If you have any interest in modern industrial design, don't miss this sleek, brightly lit store. All kinds of everyday objects are reinvented by cutting-edge European designers, from staplers to flatware to shelving units. The products were designed with 21st-century homes in mind, so they're surprisingly utilitarian and space-efficient -- not to mention pricey.If you have any interest in modern industrial design, don't

NBA-Store
New-York
For all things NBA and WNBA, head to this three-level megastore, a multimedia celebration of pro hoops, complete with a bleacher-seated arena for player appearances and signings.For all things NBA and WNBA, head to this three-level

NBC-Experience
New-York
This mammoth, neon-lit store sits directly across from the Today show studio and sells all manner of NBC-themed merchandise, from Matt and Al's favorite mugs to a \"You're Fired\" T-shirt to a \"Fear Factor\" 3-D Bug Mug. And yes, there is a clearance department with merch from canceled shows . . . Your kids will enjoy the silly interactive features, like the virtual-reality \"Conan O'Brien's Wild Desk Ride,\" as well as the second-level candy shop. NBC Studio Tours also leave from here; call for details.This mammoth, neon-lit store sits directly across from the Today

New-York-911
New-York
Adjacent to Firefighter's Friend (above) is the place to shop for not only NYPD logo wear, but also EMT, FBI, and NYC-coroner gear. The bounty includes shirts, caps, badge pins, patches, logo toys, and much more. (Not all of the products are licensed by the city, however; I suggest trying to stick with those that are.) The store is well stocked and fun to browse, making it a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts for the folks back home. A portion of the proceeds goes to NYPD-related charities.Adjacent to Firefighter's Friend (above) is the place to shop

New-York-Firefighters-Friend
New-York
What better way to spend your souvenir budget than by saluting New York's bravest? Here's the place to purchase FDNY logo wear, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more. The goods are all top-quality, and a portion of the profits support the widows and children of the 343 firefighter victims lost in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.What better way to spend your souvenir budget than by

New-York-Transit-Museum-Store
New-York
Lots of nifty transportation-themed gifts -- the cufflinks made out of vintage subway tokens are just great. With all this train stuff, my 4-year-old son could spend hours here.Lots of nifty transportation-themed gifts -- the cufflinks made out

Niketown
New-York
More multimedia advertorial than sportswear store, Niketown is surprisingly low-key and attractive, with five floors of shoes and athletic wear displayed in Lucite and polished-metal surroundings. \"Museum\" cases display Sneakers of the Rich and Famous, and you're assailed by images of celebrity pitchmen and women. No sales or bargains here -- plan on paying top dollar for the high-style athletic wear. Somebody's gotta pay for this place!More multimedia advertorial than sportswear store, Niketown is surprisingly low-key

Oscar-Wilde-Bookshop
New-York
The world's oldest gay and lesbian bookstore was on the brink of extinction a few years ago but has made a strong comeback under new ownership. The nice staff makes browsing in this landmark a pleasure. Recipient of a 2006 Leadership Award from the Publishing Triangle, it's where you'll find the latest literary and popular LGBT work.The world's oldest gay and lesbian bookstore was on the

Other-Music
New-York
Head to Other Music for the wildest sounds in town. You won't find a major label here.This shop focuses exclusively on small international labels, especially those on the cutting edge. The bizarro runs the gamut from underground Japanese spin doctors to obscure Irish folk; needless to say, the world-music selection is terrific -- fascinating and bound to be filled with music you've never heard of. The sales staff really know their stuff, so ask away.Head to Other Music for the wildest sounds in town.

Paragon-Sporting-Goods
New-York
The emphasis at this excellent all-purpose sporting-goods store -- New York's best -- is on equipment and athletic wear for virtually every sport, from tennis to biking to mountain climbing. End-of-the-season sales, especially on sneakers and outdoor clothing, bring serious discounts.The emphasis at this excellent all-purpose sporting-goods store -- New

Patagonia
New-York
Expensive though it may be, Patagonia deserves kudos for its commitment to producing efficient and eco-friendly sports and adventure wear -- fleece pullovers made from recycled plastic soda bottles, shell jackets in ultralight weatherproof materials, and organic cotton T-shirts.Expensive though it may be, Patagonia deserves kudos for its

Paul-Smith
New-York
This temple of new English fashion is a can't-miss. When it comes to menswear that's at once fashion-forward and undisputedly classic, Paul Smith wins the prize, with jackets, suits, pants, shoes, sportswear, and accessories that are superpricey but worth every cent.This temple of new English fashion is a can't-miss. When

Paul-Stuart
New-York
Paul Stuart is a touch more hip and a touch more expensive than Brooks Brothers. Stuart is the classic New York haberdasher -- gorgeous fabrics, impeccable tailoring, expensive price tags on everything from suits to weekend wear; there's women's wear, too, but Paul Stuart is more about men. This is a way-of-life store for those who subscribe.Paul Stuart is a touch more hip and a touch

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