Profile

Century 21 is well-known as the most comprehensive discount department store in the city. After suffering severe damages on 9/11, the Financial District mainstay bounced back with characteristic style, attracting thousands of shoppers daily to the deep markdowns—"up to 75% off"—on designer labels for men, women, and children. Find names like Hugo Boss, Versace and D&G in the men's department; two flights up, browse through avant-garde European and American designers like Marni, Helmut Lang, and Miu Miu. Seasoned bargain-hunters go early, early, early to avoid the mid-day madhouse of families with strollers and deal-dazzled tourists (not to mention lunch-hour shoppers) struggle to navigate the multi-level floors and narrow aisles. Though most of the merchandise is from last season or earlier, expect long lines for dressing rooms and possible subertufge over the last Narciso Rodriguez shift dress, Marc Jacobs sundress, or Missoni knit top. — Carolyn Murnick

Key Departments

Men's Formalwear

New Yorkers flock here to find great looks that won’t break their budget (everything is 25 to 75 percent off retail prices). Look for lines like Hugo Boss and Kenneth Cole.