The USA is
shopping paradise for many of us. Huge stores, wide spaces, perfect decor… Americans
sure know how to lure you in. Even window shopping is a real pleasure. I still remember how these stores amazed me the first time I was in the US 10 years ago. I was coming from a small city back then and they literally made my jaw drop.
For those who may be headed to the US, I've created a
complete guide to shopping in the USA so when you get there, you can shop
like a pro.
WHAT TO BUY
IN THE USA: WHAT’S CHEAPER AND WHAT’S NOT
American
brands are cheaper, European ones are not.
Tech items,
which tend to be rather pricey, are much cheaper in the US. If you need a new Apple
gadget, you want a Roomba vacuum or a new lens for your camera, put some money
aside and wait for your next US trip, you will save a lot of money.
The same
goes for retail and skincare products, brands like Clinique or Abercrombie are
way cheaper in America.
SALES TAX
One thing
to always have in mind is that the price tag does not include the sales tax
which varies from one state to another. For example, in NYC most purchases are
subject to an 8.875% sales tax. However, some items are excluded from the sales
tax such as clothing and shoes under $110 or unprepared foods for instance.
MY FAVORITE
STORES
Every time I'm in the US, I pop by all of the following.
- Anthropologie: I'd say this is my favorite one. The loveliest apparel, skincare and homeware all in one place. I love the mixture of cultures and styles of their products. It's like someone with impeccable taste finds the best products around the world and puts them all in one place.
- Abercrombie & Fitch: probably the most famous American clothing brand among young Europeans. They have rebranded in the last few years and have left a little bit aside the "perfect" American poster boy image. Due to controversy in the past, they have become more inclusive and now offer sizes for different body types.
- J.Crew: clothes and accessories to curate the perfect preppy closet.
- Free People: boho-chic style for the modern hippy.
- Kate Spade: this one is a bit more high end. Here you can find ultra feminine colorful clothes and the most fun accessories.
- All American designers Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren
- WilliamsSonoma: if you like cooking like me, you can't miss this place. Here you can find every single item for your kitchen you can think of.
- PotteryBarn: go here for beautiful homeware and furniture. The only bad thing about this place is that many of their items won't fit in your suitcase...
The most popular
malls and department stores in the US are the following:
You can
also find many outlet malls throughout the country that are worth checking out
because they offer designer clothes at affordable prices.
MOST
POPULAR STORES
According
to a survey these are the most popular stores among Americans:
- Old Navy and Forever 21 are very popular because of their affordable and fashionable apparel.
- World famous lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret
- Activewear brand Lululemon
SALES
CALENDAR
If you are
lucky enough to be in the US around these dates, you can save even more money
on your shopping.
- President’s Day Sale: February
- Memorial Day Weekend Sale: May
- July 4th Summer Sale
- Back-to-school/Fall Preview Sale: end of July – beginning of August 1
- Labor day Weekend Sale: September
- Columbus Day Weekend Sale: October
- Thanksgiving Eve: November
- Black Friday: November
- After Thanksgiving Weekend Sale featuring Midnight Madness: November
- Cyber Monday (online): December
- New Year’s Eve Sales: December
- New Year’s Day Sales: January
SHOPPING
FROM EUROPE
I like to check out the online stores of my favorite shops every now and then and I often feel tempted to order something. However, you shouldn’t
consider shopping from Europe, online shopping on US sites is not worth it. Even though all sites offer international shipping, the
taxes and shipping costs will add up almost as much as the price of the items
you are buying.
Do you shop when you are abroad? What are your favorite brands?
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