Top News in NYC & Tri-State Update Dec. 28 The world's largest New Year's Eve party, in Times Square, also will be virtual. Brooklyn's famous Coney Island Polar Bear Club has cancelled its traditional New Year's Day plunge in the Atlantic Ocean. NYC holiday lights, windows and trees is will be lit through Jan. 3, some through Jan. 10. Visiting the Rockefeller … [Read more...] about NYC Update: What’s Open, Cancelled, Postponed
Sales & Bargains
Cyber Monday Deals: Amazon, Hulu, Starbucks, More
Cyber Monday is the busiest day of the year for online shopping, and some merchants have extended the bargains through the week. You'll be avoiding crowds at stores, but with so many of us clicking the keyboards, some websites may be super slow. Here are some deals we like from online merchants for today - Cyber Monday - and beyond. See also - Things Not to Buy on … [Read more...] about Cyber Monday Deals: Amazon, Hulu, Starbucks, More
NYC Adds Sidewalk Stores to Sidewalk Restaurants
Until the end of the year, NYC retail stores may use the sidewalks in front of their stores for outdoor sales, the same way NYC restaurants use sidewalk space for outdoor dining. The new Open Storefronts program is designed to help small local businesses generate sales and stay in business by increasing their display and sales space on the sidewalks in front of their … [Read more...] about NYC Adds Sidewalk Stores to Sidewalk Restaurants
Ice Skating and Holiday Shops Return to Bryant Park
One of New York City's favorite holiday traditions returns on Friday, Oct. 30. The Bryant Park Winter Village includes the famous and popular FREE ice skating rink, European-style holiday markets and festive decorations. Things are different this year to keep us all safe and socially-distanced. There are fewer shops - around 60, instead of the usual 200 - … [Read more...] about Ice Skating and Holiday Shops Return to Bryant Park
Amazon Prime Day Deals & Money-Back Credits to Get Now
Amazon Prime Day is two days this year, Oct. 13 and 14, but you can score discount deals and money-back credits now to start saving money now and get a head start now on your holiday shopping. Forget Black Friday. Check out these deals available now, before Amazon Prime Day: Through October 12, Amazon will offer Prime members a $10 credit to use on Prime Day when members … [Read more...] about Amazon Prime Day Deals & Money-Back Credits to Get Now
Century 21 Declares Bankruptcy and Closing All 13 Stores
End of an era: NYC-based department store chain Century 21 has filed for bankruptcy and is shutting down all its stores, putting nearly 1,400 employees out of work, and many thousands of bargain-hunters out of luck. Going Out of Business sales start soon, and the stores will close by the end of October. The announcement comes just days after Lord & Taylor, founded in … [Read more...] about Century 21 Declares Bankruptcy and Closing All 13 Stores
NYC Sales Tax Rules for Back to School Shopping
Hard to believe, but it's time for back to school shopping. Here's what you need to know about NYC and New York State sales taxes, to help plan your shopping and not get cheated by paying tax on something that's exempt from tax. The total sales tax rate in New York City is 8.875%, but many things are excluded, including clothing or footwear less than $110. School … [Read more...] about NYC Sales Tax Rules for Back to School Shopping
American Express Credit for Shopping Small Businesses
NYCOTC loves small businesses, and we love American Express for supporting them, by giving you $5 back on your bill for using your card at a participating business - each time you use the card, up to $50 back before the program ends. That's a deal! NYCOTC Editor Evelyn Kanter is the daughter of two local shopkeepers - my mom's store was in Inwood, my dad's store was in … [Read more...] about American Express Credit for Shopping Small Businesses
Stores Re-Opened in Midtown Include Saks, Nordstrom, Tiffany, Uniqlo, Nike, Apple
Some stores have closed forever, others have re-opened with little fanfare and new precautions to help both employees and shoppers feel safe and comfortable, including reserving store elevators for seniors and those with health issues. Most retailers and restaurants in Midtown have re-opened, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstroms, Tiffany, Uniqlo, Nike and … [Read more...] about Stores Re-Opened in Midtown Include Saks, Nordstrom, Tiffany, Uniqlo, Nike, Apple
Phase One Open for Business in Union Square/Flatiron/14th St.
It's been a tough 100 days for all of us living or working or owning shops and restaurants in New York City. Phase One re-opening means business can re-open with curbside pick-up, and restaurants can continue serving take-out and curbside pick-up. Here is a list of what's open now in the Union Square-14th Street area. If your business is has reopened and you would like … [Read more...] about Phase One Open for Business in Union Square/Flatiron/14th St.