New York City Lower Manhattan

Lower Manhattan isn’t the sort of neighborhood you come to with the primary purpose of shopping in mind, but it has plenty of stores for office workers.

Century 21, 22 Cortlandt St. (☎212-227-9092), between Broadway and Church St. S 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, M, Z to Fulton St./Nassau St. This discount department store sells designer clothes to hordes of local and international bargain-hunters. You’ll find Diesel jeans ($75) and tons of Chanel, Prada, and Miu Miu apparel (40-70% off). The housewares department has some interesting finds as well. Show up early to avoid the crowds. Open M-W 7:45am-8pm, Th-F 7:45am-8:30pm, Sa 10am-8pm, Su 11am-7pm.
Strand Annex, 95 Fulton St. (☎212-732-6070), between William and Gold St. S 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, M, Z to Fulton St./Nassau St. The younger, less crowded, and more manageable sibling of the landmark behemoth bookstore. Great remaindered-books section with a strong supply of used books (from $1). Pick up a trendy Strand tote bag (from $7) or T-shirt (from $9). Open M-F 9:30am-9pm, Sa-Su 11am-8pm.