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The Definitive Chelsea Shopping Guide

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New York is nothing if not a city full of options, which can be both a blessing and a curse when trying to sort a neighborhood's best of the best. Take the guesswork out of choosing which shopping destinations are worth your time (and money!) with our guide of the ten best places to visit in Chelsea.

Photo: Khushbu Shah/Racked

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Chelsea Market

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This neighborhood staple is a good first stop to fuel up for a day of shopping, thanks to its host of food vendors. These are combined with a shopping mall of sorts, with highlights that include Anthropologie, the Artists and Fleas marketplace, and a sample sale space that has hosted the likes of A.L.C., Frette, and Theory.
Driely S./Racked

(MALIN+GOETZ)

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Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz launched their apothecary brand in Chelsea 12 years ago, and the OG outpost is stocked with its beloved face creams, masks, candles, and more. Though the founders no longer wait on customers here, they still pop in occasionally since they live in the neighborhood.

Second Time Around

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Despite having locations all over the city, this secondhand store never feels like a stale chain thanks to its ever-changing designer inventory (at relatively low prices, to boot). If you're looking to consign a few items from your closet, it may accept your in-season clothing for cash or store credit.

Printed Matter

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The bookstore's selection of titles by and for artists from independent publishers doubled when it relocated to this two-story space last year. Keep tabs on its Facebook page so you don't miss upcoming events and exhibitions
You never know what you're going to get here, since owner Rachel Schectman reinvents her store with a totally new concept every couple of months with partners as diverse as Target, Cigna, and illustrator Donald Robertson. Regardless of the theme, you'll always find sections for men, women, kids, pets, and plenty of gift-worthy items.
Daniel Savage/Story

Barneys New York

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Barneys New York returned to its original location in February with this long-awaited space that features mirrored stainless steel columns, plush carpeting and velvet seats, and the gorgeous spiral staircase seen above that connects its four sale floors. Drop in to check out its exclusive merchandise or to dine at Freds.
Khushbu Shah/Racked

Comme des Garçons

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Rei Kawakubo's New York flagship store is as innovative and futuristic as her clothing that's been favored by the fashion set for decades. Right down the street, you can visit the Pocket concept store, the brand's take on a fashion convenience store that's typically stocked with lines like Play and Parfums

Housing Works Thrift Shop

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You'll feel good throwing some cash at this thrift store's selection of high-end fashion, furniture, and art, since proceeds will benefit HIV/AIDs-related efforts. This location is often the host of its annual Fashion for Action sale, where a VIP ticket gets you the chance to rub shoulders with celebrities and first dibs on the merchandise.

Limelight Shops

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Within a former church that once served as a nightlife club and now houses a David Barton Gym is a mini-mall with kiosks where you can buy everything from shoes to swimwear to custom Italian suits. Sweetening the deal is a Grimaldi's pizza outpost right next door.

Valley NYC

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After a day of browsing through racks and repeatedly reaching into your wallet, treat your hands to some custom nail art from this trustworthy salon. Choose a design from its extensive menu, or have the pros recreate a look you saw on Instagram.

Chelsea Market

This neighborhood staple is a good first stop to fuel up for a day of shopping, thanks to its host of food vendors. These are combined with a shopping mall of sorts, with highlights that include Anthropologie, the Artists and Fleas marketplace, and a sample sale space that has hosted the likes of A.L.C., Frette, and Theory.
Driely S./Racked

(MALIN+GOETZ)

Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz launched their apothecary brand in Chelsea 12 years ago, and the OG outpost is stocked with its beloved face creams, masks, candles, and more. Though the founders no longer wait on customers here, they still pop in occasionally since they live in the neighborhood.

Second Time Around

Despite having locations all over the city, this secondhand store never feels like a stale chain thanks to its ever-changing designer inventory (at relatively low prices, to boot). If you're looking to consign a few items from your closet, it may accept your in-season clothing for cash or store credit.

Printed Matter

The bookstore's selection of titles by and for artists from independent publishers doubled when it relocated to this two-story space last year. Keep tabs on its Facebook page so you don't miss upcoming events and exhibitions

Story

You never know what you're going to get here, since owner Rachel Schectman reinvents her store with a totally new concept every couple of months with partners as diverse as Target, Cigna, and illustrator Donald Robertson. Regardless of the theme, you'll always find sections for men, women, kids, pets, and plenty of gift-worthy items.
Daniel Savage/Story

Barneys New York

Barneys New York returned to its original location in February with this long-awaited space that features mirrored stainless steel columns, plush carpeting and velvet seats, and the gorgeous spiral staircase seen above that connects its four sale floors. Drop in to check out its exclusive merchandise or to dine at Freds.
Khushbu Shah/Racked

Comme des Garçons

Rei Kawakubo's New York flagship store is as innovative and futuristic as her clothing that's been favored by the fashion set for decades. Right down the street, you can visit the Pocket concept store, the brand's take on a fashion convenience store that's typically stocked with lines like Play and Parfums

Housing Works Thrift Shop

You'll feel good throwing some cash at this thrift store's selection of high-end fashion, furniture, and art, since proceeds will benefit HIV/AIDs-related efforts. This location is often the host of its annual Fashion for Action sale, where a VIP ticket gets you the chance to rub shoulders with celebrities and first dibs on the merchandise.

Limelight Shops

Within a former church that once served as a nightlife club and now houses a David Barton Gym is a mini-mall with kiosks where you can buy everything from shoes to swimwear to custom Italian suits. Sweetening the deal is a Grimaldi's pizza outpost right next door.

Valley NYC

After a day of browsing through racks and repeatedly reaching into your wallet, treat your hands to some custom nail art from this trustworthy salon. Choose a design from its extensive menu, or have the pros recreate a look you saw on Instagram.