Shopping in New York City

If you want to go shopping, New York City is the place. There is a huge number of shopping centers in all boroughs. You can buy almost everything, here, in NYC. Below, some tips about consumer rights from the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection:

Price postings: stores must post prices either on the item or on a sign where the item is displayed. Businesses that charge a range of prices for a service must list the range and what affects the price. It is illegal to charge more than the posted price.

Refund policies: stores can set their own refund policies, but they must post a sign with all conditions or limitations at each register, point of sale, or at each entrance where customers can easily read it. If no refund policy is posted, you can return any unused item within 30 days.

Payment methods: stores can limit credit card use, but they must clearly post all limitations near the register and the entrance. Stores must accept cash unless they have a machine to convert cash to a prepaid card. Stores cannot charge more if you pay in cash.

Receipts: in New York City, businesses must give you a receipt for purchases over $20 and upon request for purchases between $5 and $20. Save your receipts and ask for gift receipts to make returns easier.

Delivery dates: secure a delivery date in writing before you leave a store. If online retailers don’t specify a “ship by” date, they must ship within 30 days.

Complaints: if you have a problem the business won’t resolve, file a complaint with DCWP: Visit nyc.gov/dcwp or contact 311.

Hudson Yards Plaza, Chelsea, in Manhattan. It is a great place to shop (photo Related Oxford).

St Marks Place, East Village, in Manhattan (credit: Joe Buglewicz / NYC & Company).

Fifth Avenue, in Manhattan (credit: Matthew Penrod / NYC & Company).

The old-style shopping in New York. In the early 20th century, part of Sixth Avenue was considered to be a shopping district and the Siegel Cooper (on the right), opened in 1896, was considered to be the largest department store in the world.