If you've ever watched TV shows or movies, then you have probably heard many of the upscale department stores mentioned in them. Some of them were even the setting for some movies, such as "Miracle on 34th Street", while others lend themselves to location shots. Even though many of them now have "branch" locations in other states, shopping or just browsing at the original store is still considered a "must do" thing for some visitors, while locals may frequent them quite often. Surprisingly, for all their fame and high-quality merchandise, it is possible to sometimes find bargains in them.
Saks 5th Avenue, 611 5th Avenue (between 49th and 50th Street)
This is one of the stores mentioned quite frequently in old "I Love Lucy" shows. Supposedly, shopping or owning something from Saks was something of a status symbol, at least to Lucy and Ethel. The store has been in business since its opening in 1924, and remains a New York icon today. There are Saks 5th Avenue stores in other states, but this is the original.
Bloomingdale's, 770 Lexington Avenue
Fans of the long-running "Seinfeld" show will remember that this was the department store most often mentioned in different episodes. However, it was Bloomingdale's that actually set the example for what would later become known as "department stores". And, it all started with a hoop skirt. The original location on Lexington Avenue is still in operation; in addition, there are stores at other locations in and around New York City as well as in other states.
Macy's, Herald Square, between 34th and 35th Street, Broadway
You can't think about Macy's in New York without thinking about the famous Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is the event that officially kicks off the holiday season, even if stores have been advertising Christmas sales since September. Besides the famous parade, Macy's is also known for being mentioned in movies and TV shows set in New York. The most famous one, of course, is "Miracle on 34th Street", while, again, "I Love Lucy" episodes frequently featured Lucy talking about her latest shopping trip to Macy's, usually punctuated by Ricky's tirade over how much money she spent.
