Video
1. CB2
Home-design aficionados and budget-conscious shoppers flock to the hipper, more wallet-friendly spin-off of domestic-goods behemoth Crate & Barrel. The 7,500-square-foot space is packed with modern furnishings that are scaled down for apartment dwellers, including mod sofas (starting at $750), candle wall sconces ($25–$50) and metal arc floor lamps ($200). 451 Broadway between Grand and Howard Sts (212-219-1454)
2. Muji
A sea of utilitarian-looking, monochrome wares fill the shelves at this Tokyo housewares firm, so don’t expect funky office or home accessories to spice up your space. But you’ll find smart, sleek products including steel tape dispensers ($17), fold-up cardboard speakers ($42), clear subway-pass cases ($3) and a customize-your-own pen station with more than 100 different options to choose from. 455 Broadway between Grand and Howard Sts (212-334-2002)
3. Bose
Whether you want to drown out the loud subway noise or the chatter of coworkers, the pricey but effective QuietComfort Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones ($300–$350) from this top-of-the-line electronics brand is worth the splurge. Of course, Bose’s playground for the tech-obsessed offers strikingly simple speaker systems and home theaters as well as interactive in-store displays. 465 Broadway at Grand St (212-334-3710)
4. Pearl River
Pause at the serene waterfall before tackling the jam-packed 30,000-square-foot Chinatown department store. The tri-level emporium abounds with decor and gifts like brocade slippers ($15), ceramic tea sets ($36) and kimono silk robes ($69–$119). 477 Broadway between Broome and Grand Sts (212-431-4770)Girls Mandarin Gown, $26–$28
5. Madewell
A permanent DJ booth and a voguish, downtown vibe makes it clear that this J.Crew sibling is not for prepsters. The two-story boutique—located in a landmark 1882 building with soaring windows—houses a tightly edited assortment of garment-dyed denim ($110), washed Italian leather jackets ($345), bright printed scarves ($38–$48) and Italian suede boots ($268) that are more appropriate for summering in Brighton Beach than Martha’s Vineyard. 486 Broadway at Broome St (212-226-6954)
6. So Good Jewelry Soho
So Good is one of the only shops in the nabe where you can walk out with a bag full of goodies for less than 20 bucks. Bangles in every shape and color ($7–$15), Murano glass rings ($7–$15) and chunky gold-layered necklaces ($13–$15) make smart ways to spend your Hamiltons and Lincolns. 496 Broadway between Broome and Spring Sts (212-625-9552)
7. Lush
Don’t enter Lush hungry: You may be tempted to devour the eco-friendly beauty company’s scrumptious-smelling, handmade bath confections. Try not to drool over the Heavenly Bodies Buttercream soap ($10 for ¼ pound), which resemble slices of chocolate cake ($6), the Sweetie Pie Shower Jellies that look like chewy candies ($8 for ¼ pound) and the Sakura Bath Bomb ($6), which can be mistaken for a jawbreaker. 531 Broadway between Prince and Spring St (212-925-2323)
8. Mango
Mannequins modeling trendy ensembles perch atop the elevated 97-foot-long catwalk that runs down the center of this Spanish brand’s first NYC flagship. For life after the runway, snag well-priced goodies that are a step up from Forever 21, such as black and white plaid vests ($59), metallic sequin minidresses ($119) and patent-leather belts (from $19). 561 Broadway between Prince and Spring Sts (212-343-7012)
9. Ricky’s
Thank God we live in a city blessed by this quirky cosmetic chain, which gathers together feather boas, false eyelashes, hair extensions and body jewelry with drugstore essentials. And this supersized outpost of Ricky’s remains a must for any beauty junkie for its top-notch selection of makeup, lotions and hair care, with haute brands like Fekkai, Nexxus and Kérastase. 590 Broadway between Prince and Houston Sts (212-226-5552)Rain boots, $40
10. Eastern Mountain Sports
This outdoorsy emporium is equipped to outfit you for any adventure. “Foot gurus,” what the athletic superstore calls its shoe sales associates, are specially trained to custom-fit kicks ($75–$200), while sporty brands such as North Face, Patagonia and prAna offer scads of puffy coats ($140–$280), rain jackets ($70–$300) and yoga apparel ($35–$65). After you’ve geared up, the full-service shop will send you climbing, kayaking, mountain biking or skiing through one of its planned treks. 591 Broadway between Houston and Prince Sts (212-966-8730)
Comment