Anti-Tourist Shopping in Soho

As one of the top shopping destinations worldwide, New York’s busiest shopping neighborhood, Soho, gets a lot of foot traffic. Just because you’re shopping, doesn’t mean you have to get caught up with tourists. Take our tips and find some of the more offbeat shops in Soho to get your spending fix.

Kiosk, 95 Spring St, between Broadway and Mercer St, second floor, Soho (212-226-8601)

Walk straight past the somewhat grungy entrance to this exciting little store, what you’ll find inside will makeup for the graffiti-filled hallway and staircase. The store is filled with inexpensive items collected around the world with a strong eye for design. It’s the only place you’ll find little Mexican notepads, Finnish licorice, and a Japanese sesame seed grinder in one place.

The dimly lit entrance to Kiosk.

Opening Ceremony, 35 Howard St, between Broadway and Crosby St, fifth floor, Soho (212-219-2688)

Definitely one of the trendiest stores in the city right now, Opening Ceremony is a great place to stop by to observe cool kids at work and even pick up a piece of their lifestyle. With all the most exciting men’s, women’s, and accessories brands under one roof, you’ll never get tired of browsing here.

Take a break from shopping with a visit to one of New York’s best parks.

In God We Trust, 265 Lafayette St, between Prince and Spring Sts, Soho (212-966-9010)

Lafayette is a major hub in Soho, but don’t forget to stop in this small, charming storefront. In God We Trust stocks several quirky cool lines, as well as classic staples, and their in-house line. Prices are never out of control and they have items you won’t find anywhere else, like a locket inscribed with naughty sayings.

Hayden-Harnett, 253 Elizabeth St, between Houston and Prince Sts, Soho (212-334-2247)

Manhattanites rejoiced when this Brooklyn staple set up shop in Nolita, just East of Soho. Stop by to check out their whimsical line of handbags and women’s clothing as well as unique handpicked extras including jewelry, stationary, and candles.

The interior of Drood's Soho location.

Droog, 76 Greene St, at Spring St, Soho (212-941-8350)

Droog ranks above the best European design shops in NYC, but unlike many stuffy, closed off shops, Droog invites you to interact with the products, making it all the more fun. The underlying concept is that it is set up as a house and when everything in the house is bought, they will redecorate.

Take a guided tour of Soho and Nolita for more expert shopping tips.

Inven.tory, 237 Lafayette St, between Prince and Spring Sts, Soho

Just a few doors down from In God We Trust, this relatively new store functions as a constant sample sale. Pick up merch from previous season from some of your favorite brands at a deep discount. Each line is chosen to ensure that it is only filled with things you really want. Stopping in here will quit you complaining about prices in New York.

Puro Chile, 161 Grand St., at Centre St., Soho (212-925-7876)

Who knew a trip to New York could bring Chile so close. This concept shop stocks everything from grocery items, food and drink, to eco-friendly clothing, jewelry with Chilean semi-precious stones, and home goods made out of natural fibers—all from Chile. If you’re swayed enough, you can even book travel arrangements to South America.

The interior of Puro Chile.

J.Crew Mens Shop, 4848 Broadway, Soho (212-343-1227)

Far and away the favorite store of New York’s fashionable men, this special offshoot of J.Crew features J.Crew products as well as curated extras including vintage Timex watches with interchangeable straps, classic Barbour coats, and boat shoes for every occasion. Even though it is in the heart of Broadway and next to Topshop, the J.Crew Men’s store manages to avoid an obnoxious crowd.

Saturday’s, 31 Crosby St., Soho (212-966-7875)

A more unique mix is hard to find than this surf shop (in the city, mind you) and espresso bar hybrid. That said, their collection of amazing surf boards is supplemented by casual cool men’s clothing, sharp sunglasses, and art books. You’ll also be hard-pressed to find a better or stronger espresso in the city.

See our list of New York’s best cups of joe.

Haus Interiors, 250 Elizabeth St., Soho (212-741-0455)

This charming boutique is filled with home goods that somehow fit in perfectly just as well in a seaside cottage as in a Manhattan apartment. Pick up their blueprint-printed notepad, a magnifying glass wrapped in fisherman’s rope, or a set of science beakers used as a vase.

[photos courtesy of Nightscream, David Sifry, Droog, Puro Chile]