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This Eastside art-deco landmark has been serving sophisticated New York shoppers since 1886. One of the city's earliest high-end department stores, Bloomingdale's has since evolved into a more democratic institution where mid-priced products and designers share ample retail turf. Though big-ticket women’s collections can still be found on the heavily mirrored seventh floor, the store now seems geared more toward business people on lunch breaks and the ubiquitous tourists rather than ladies who lunch. Bloomingdale's Soho, which opened in 2004, furthers this trend, eschewing home furnishings and conservative labels in favor of wallet-friendly downtown designers like Aqua and Theory. On the black and white tile-checkered ground level, brave a phalanx of perfume-wielding clerks to browse copious cosmetics and accessories; stylish, affordable lines like Burberry, Michael by Michael Kors, and Kenneth Cole occupy the bulk of shelf space in the notable watch department.  In men's wear, visit elegant in-store boutiques for fashion-conscious sportswear labels like John Varvatos and Armani Collezioni. And gentlemen can get comfortable on the women's levels as well—in the well-upholstered lounge chairs strategically placed throughout the selling floor. — Carolyn Murnick

Key Departments

Clothing - Women

On the second floor in women's sportswear, find a huge and diverse denim department, where brands like JBrand, Seven for All Mankind, and AG Adriano Goldschmied offer options for every size, shape, and style proclivity.

Furniture & Accessories

The store's mattress department, complete with fiber-optic starscape on the ceiling above, is secluded in a darkened, cozy nook on the furniture floor. Find name brands like Sealy Posture-pedic, Stearns & Foster and the handmade Shifman line.

Men's Formalwear

There are hundreds of suits and sports jackets to browse through in this store for guys who like to mix and match. For more formal moments, pick up a tux by Canali, Hugo Boss, or Armani.

Children's Formalwear

Navigating this famously frenetic store with kids in tow can be a challenge, but the children’s department offers reliable options for flower girls and ring bearers, such as the extra-cute Dimples line.

Bridal Shoes

You may have a hard time finding sales help here, but the second floor is the city’s best source for relatively inexpensive bridal shoes from Caparros and BCBG. The smaller (and calmer) designer department on the fourth floor is a different world, but depending on the season, you should be able to find white and silver shoes from Stuart Weitzman and Chanel.

Registry

The huge sixth floor has salad spinners, cookware, and small appliances.

Judy Paulen Designs, Ltd.

Paulen Designs offers personalized guidance in selecting from over 50 different wedding stationery lines. The store features work by C’est Papier, Crane & Co., Vera Wang, William Arthur, Kate Spade, and more. Brides registered at Bloomingdale’s get discounts.