There are many reasons why retailers converge on New York for NRF every January. And one of them is to see as many stores as possible around the City – still one of the world’s retail capitals. We asked some of those attending NRF to highlight those stores – both new and old – that really stood out for them.

Bloomingdale's - for the impressive upgrade they are doing in the luxury and fashion area 

Printemps – very unique, interesting format. The flagship store opened in the financial district by the iconic French department store in 2025 

Meta Lab - a new way to sell tech 

Target Soho - some clever cross-merchandising implementations in this new format store 

Dossier - Selling “designer-inspired” perfumes. A fast-growing category that is really appealing to consumers 

Nespresso - new flagship on 5th Avenue – great approach to brand education and customer appeal 

The North Face - on 5th avenue. 

SoHo Gymshark - the UK athleisure brand’s first store in the US. 

DeChicco & Sons latest supermarket - Sleepy Hollow New Jersey 

Bergdorf Goodman – it remains iconic 

Ariztzia - new stores in SoHo and 5th Avenue 

Macy’s - refurbished ground floor beauty hall 

Calvin Klein - store in Broadway 

Gucci - flagship on Madison and 57th. 

Arc’teryx - flagship in SoHo 

With thanks to Selvane Mohandas, Managing Director, International Association of Department Stores, Daniel Rodriquez, Market Research Director, El Corte Ingles, John Ryan, Founder, Newstores.  

And what about New Yorker's selections?

To introduce the team from FIT in New York who are returning to compete in this year’s Future Retail Challenge at the World Retail Congress, we invited each of the students to select their favourite store.  

Nicole Vasquez Urday: 

My favourite store to shop at is Reformation, especially because of its Magic Fitting Rooms, which make the shopping experience extremely time efficient. The sales floor carries just one size of each style, and sales associates add the pieces you want to try directly to your fitting room’s digital closet. Once inside, a touchscreen allows you to request different sizes or styles, which are delivered to a built-in closet in the fitting room, so you never have to leave or interrupt your try-on experience. 

Jocelyn Howe: 

My favourite store in New York is definitely The RealReal in Soho! I love the atmosphere of shoppers that admire designer clothing and its history! 

Erin Jun: 

My favourite store in New York would have to be Casey Rubber Stamps because of their unique handmade rubber stamps and custom stamp designs in a charming East Village boutique. 

Phoebe Fusco: 

My favourite store in New York is the Gucci store in the Meatpacking District because its homely ambiance and thoughtfully curated decor make it a unique way to experience the merchandise, even if you’re just browsing and not making a purchase.