"Black Friday" is notorious for news stories about appalling gluttony and people being trampled at Walmart. For the dedicated "big box" shopper, the sales can't be beat and this year many stores have had pre-Black Friday deals and online specials. Yeah it's neato that Macy's opens at 4am and all, but not everyone is looking for a new coffee pot, set of luggage or cubic zirconia snowflake necklace.
Instead, we've put together a list of some of New York's best "Black Friday" deals you might actually want to seek out (and won't put you at risk of being run over). We've also included some sales you can cruise by before the insanity of the weekend and a couple of gift spots that are open just for the holiday season.
Mackage Sample Sale
When: 11/23 (Noon - 7pm), 11/24 (Noon - 6pm)
Where: 275 W 39th Street near Eighth Avenue, 7th floor
As the weather transitions permanently into winter, having a chic but warm coat is crucial. Mackage is holding a sample sale with both men's and women's outerwear up to 50% off. You can't go wrong with a flat wool double breasted coat for $298 marked down from $595.
Nili Lotan Sample Sale
When: 11/22 (Noon - 7pm)
Where: 188 Duane Street at Greenwich Street; (212) 219-8794
If you haven't checkout Nili Lotan's design studio/retail gallery in Tribeca than you should, especially when her elegant minimalist designs are deeply reduced.
Norma Kamali Sale
When: 11/24, 11/26 (10am - 6pm)
Where: 11 West 56th Street near 5th Avenue
Get a head start on the Black Friday madness on Wednesday when Norma Kamali begins its $200 and under sale. Almost every item in the store will be under $200 with most retailing for less than $100, including the iconic "Sleeping Bag Coat" in select colors. If you can't make it on Wednesday, the mania will continue on Friday.
Lotus Bridal Sample Sale
When: 11/26-11/27 (11am - 6pm)
Where: 1822 Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn, NY; (718) 332-4385
If you are engaged or know someone who is, tell them to call and make an appointment at Lotus Bridal for incredible deals on dresses ($99 -$799), bridesmaid dresses ($49) and shoes as low as $19!
Blue & Cream Sale
When: Ongoing until 11/28
Where: 1 E. 1st Street at Bowery; (212) 533-3088
Trendy Bowery favorite, Blue & Cream, will be celebrating the impending holiday gift-giving season with a %60 off sale of brands like Loeffler Randall.
Estrella Sale
When: 11/26
Where: 493 Sixth Avenue near 12th Sreet; (212) 255-3553
All kids tees and onesies are up to 60% off at this luxe Upper East Side boutique. Perfect for buying something for a new mom without spending more than you would for an adult-sized item.
Kisan's Black Friday Sale
When: 11/26 (11am - 7pm), 11/27 (Noon - 6)
Where: 125 Greene Street near Prince Street; (212) 475-2470
Kisan is a concept store in Soho that sells women's clothes alongside children's clothes and housewares. They are holding a huge Black Friday sale with women's clothing and accessories up to %70 off. Brands you might see include Ports 1961, Vanessa Bruno and Sonia Rykeil.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
When: Ongoing until 12/24 (Mon-Sat: 10am-8pm, Sunday: 11am-7pm)
Where: Grand Central Terminal, 15 Vanderbilt Avenue at 42nd Street and Park Avenue
Browse the holiday wares of more than 76 vendors in the historic Vanderbilt Terminal in Grand Central. Ranging from handmade jewelry to cold weather accessories, you can find unique gifts for all the people on your list.
Harlem PoP
When: Saturdays (11am - 7pm) and Sundays (Noon - 7pm) until 12/24
Where: 2037 Fifth Avenue at 126th Street; (347) 370-9815)
Not only can you find wild gifts from emerging designers at this "pop up experience shop," you can also visit the gallery (the current exhibit is called "Love: the good, the bad, the abstract") and eat delicious empanadas from Sweet + Savory and Wrap Sandwiches from Tranquility Bliss.