I am begining to wonder here. I have walked on Canal Street thousands of times and not once have I ever been approached by a vendor to buy anything except bok choy. What gives? If you have to spend time shopping, make sure you make it worthwhile with a good meal afterwards. Pearl River Mart, which someone mentioned above, is a popular shop with cheap imports from Asia including china, paper goods, candies, and lots of clothing. It is on Broadway near Broome Street which is just three or four blocks north of the vendor area. You could check it out for gifts.

Damn elephant!

Anyway, I was a Canal Street virgin, as it were -- never been, but always wondered what it was like, lol (mainly because of all the hoopla on this board!)...

So my husband took me on a little walk to check it out. Yes, there are hoards of people! Why? Beats me! I don't get the appeal. Yes, there are people who will "approach" you, but it's more the "come on inside, take a look" kind of talk. Nothing scary.

My son went with a friend not too long ago and went inside one of those back rooms so she could buy a "designer" bag -- of course he's a guy, so he dosen't remember the details of the bag or if it looked "real". He just said he went because she didn't want to go to the "back room" alone -- makes sense to me.

I'm sorry I didn't know about the shop with the paper goods -- that I would have been interested in.

Ah, you guys are great, as usual!!! Great information! It sort of confirms what I thought, so it should be a real fun experience. We'll spend some time there and then move on to the other great shopping destinations.
Thanks so much for all the ideas.
I have not done much shopping in NY, so all these suggestions and areas to go are really appreciated.

I remember being in a taxi coming back from "Stomp" and seeing whole shoppping areas I wasnt' aware of.
I'll print this out.. and we'll be prepared!

definitely check out pearl river mart.
i went in there yesterday with the sole purpose of getting bamboo blinds for my bathroom.
i left with blinds and a big bag of stuff, all for just under $50.

What are the cross streets for the Canal Street Shopping? If I am getting directions where should I tell the cabbie to go?

Canal and Mott should get you where you want to go.

http://www.explorechinatown.com/Gui/...spx?Page=Event

Hope this helps...
Debi

My family always tries to persuade me to skip Canal when there. Sorry but I like it. I finally found who had the good knock offs (under a street granted but still good.)

Everyone should go once.

You are expected to pay in cash and deal. I never pay full price anything.

I also don't buy that much. I have a few purses that I use b/c they don't make me feel bad when they get banged up. I like the Coach, Chanel little coin purses and such.

Go down and have fun. Stick to Mott and Mulberry is a good word of advice.

From there go to Little Italy for lunch. Be ready to be swindled by guys outside of each restaurant trying to get you in their door. I've never had a bad meal.

Good shopping in NY can be found like Gotravel said. Find a Lohemanns. You never go wrong and then ask for them to ship to you. You save time on the suitcase packing and it's free of tax.

thanks debits

Do not eat at Umberto's Clam House in Little Italy. It is famous/ infamous because a gangster was shot to death in the dining room while eating.

The food there could kill you just as easily! We had calamari there and it truly could have been used as rubber bands. I told the waiter about it and they really couldn't have cared less. No sorry, no offer for something else, no discount.

Hope this helps...
Debi

That place does not have a good rep here in NY. In fact, you will find few locals at any of the Little Italy Italian places, apart from Il Cortile.

One tip – if it’s fake bags you’re after don’t walk through the streets screaming “where are the fake bags” like I saw tourists doing over the summer. We did go into a tiny room through a false wall once and it is a fun story to tell. They’ve definitely cracked down on it, they used to sidle up to you and whisper “Gucci, Prada” when you were going down the street but not lately. Like everyone else has said if you’re looking for back scratchers and those hideous slipper-shoes you can stock up there. Otherwise it’s really just a filthy, crowded place.

The shoe thing in bad weather makes me crazy too! For some reason in NY even in sleet and snow you are expected to arrive at work (on time) in a suit, heels and wool coat. Happily, I am now in a business casual environment. Last year I bought a great pair of warm, furry boots and I change when I get to work. Going out after is a lot more difficult, though.