Best subway stores in New York City: Where to shop in train stations

This bath-and-body behemoth traces its beginnings to a New Englander who was struck by the 17th-century British tradition of utilizing fresh flowers for beauty rituals, so it’s no wonder that this subterranean location is a sweet-smelling oasis. Among the botanically fragranced offerings, look for rolls of scented-drawer papers ($24), gemlike solid-perfume compacts ($40) and rows of eau de toilette sprays ($30–$50), redolent of wisteria and iris. A range of curated body-care sets ($17) that include a travel-size hand lotion, body moisturizer and shower gel make foolproof presents, while a new nail-lacquer collection ($6 each) underscores the brand’s more contemporary face. 212-582-0190, crabtree-evelyn.com

Since June 2009, this elegant gift shop inside Grand Central Terminal’s Lexington Passage has allowed snail-mail enthusiasts to grab refined greeting cards ($5–$10) before catching a Metro-North train. Owners Douglas Duncan and Michael Schultz’s love for paper and independent designers (the two previously owned a Brooklyn wholesale stationery company, Motel Deluxe) shines through in their curated collection, featuring leather-bound Barbara Wiggins journals ($55), John Derian hand-decoupaged glass paperweights ($67) and Oblation Papers & Press telegram-like cards etched with soy-based ink (eight for $21). The boutique also houses whimsical vintage-inspired goods, such as spools of metallic thread spun in France circa 1930 ($30), Elizabeth W. magnolia-scented soaps ($12) and Beehive Kitchenware Co. zinc-and-nickel–plated bottle openers engraved with the phrase "You're intoxicating" ($25). Mention TONY for 10 percent off all purchases at this location through October 24. (212-867-5550)

Gentlemen can indulge in a luxurious shave ($30–$40), complete with an oil massage and relaxing hot-towel treatment, and even a haircut ($30) at this grooming shop, which takes an artisanal approach to shaving. Pick up sleek nickel-plated razors ($90) made in a Manhattan atelier, wheat-protein–fortified face washes ($20), badger-hair shaving brushes ($60–$150) and kits containing TSA-approved products ($45), including preshave oil, shaving cream and aftershave, plus a starter brush. Although the bulk of the merchandise is geared toward guys, ladies can splurge on tubs of floral-scented shaving cream ($24), infused with rose-petal extract. Mention TONY for 10 percent off all purchases at this location through October 31. 212-582-8228, eshave.com

It’s hard to believe this petite underground retailer, devoted to inventive NYC-themed threads ($20–$40), is surrounded by the chaos of the Port Authority subway station. Thanks to the acoustical fabric panels that line its narrow space, you won’t hear a thing. Owner Merwin Andrade regularly invites local artists to submit potential designs for Grast’s unisex cotton-blend tees ($20) through Facebook, meaning you won’t find stale yellow taxicabs or apples adorning the Brooklyn-printed shirts. Instead, look for a Space Invader twist on the ubiquitous i heart ny slogan ($20) and tanks splattered with a meticulous penciled portrayal of the Manhattan skyline ($20). For the colder months, there are crewneck sweatshirts ($30) and hoodies ($40), emblazoned with graffiti-inspired homages to the Bronx and Harlem. Mention TONY for 10 percent off all purchases through October 24. 212-244-4468, grastny.com

This exceedingly ladylike boutique opened its doors nearly 15 years ago, following Grand Central Terminal’s extensive renovations. Swathed in cheery turquoise, the store’s interiors perfectly complement its brightly hued selection of dainty winter wear ($10–$300). Tackle drearier months by pairing house-label velvet gloves—in deep jewel tones ($20), and leopard and peacock prints ($25)—with matching scarves ($30). If you’re feeling extra old-school, opt for one of the handcrafted hats ($50–$300), including structured made-in-Moscow berets ($149) and decadent fox-fur styles ($199–$299). For a more understated embellishment, choose from a dazzling array of hair accessories ($8–$120), including hand-enameled barrettes crafted from antique brass and pewter ($28–$50). 212-370-0310

Esoteric magazines ($1–$50) and handmade action figures ($60) share shelf space at this innovative twist on the modern news rack. Located at a heavily trafficked intersection inside Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Avenue subway station, the store is packed with hipsterish reads, curated by former Vice Italia photo editor Lele Saveri, who often recruits local artists to serve as guest clerks. Saveri stocks out-of-the-box pubs, including Slice Harvester ($3), which chronicles the pizza-devouring adventures of New Yorker Colin Hagendorf, and Toilet Paper ($20), an edgy Italian art glossy. There’s also a collection of mixtapes ($7–$10, includes a link to download the playlist) featuring indie darlings such as Chances with the Wolves, Neckface and Matt Creed, as well as thoughtful refreshments, including gratis miniature Perrier cans and McClure’s potato chips ($2). Mention TONY for 10 percent off all purchases through October 24. alldayeveryday.com/thenewsstand