As Displaydata (and the rest of the retail world) prepares to descend upon the Javits Center in New York, we wanted to take a minute to recognize the city’s flourishing retail sector. New York City – often hailed as the number one shopping destination, is full of retail stores of all sizes and persuasions. It’s no wonder that the NRF hosts its annual “Big Show” every year in the Big Apple.If you are planning to attend NRF next month, and have some free time at your disposal, we’ve put together a list of the top “must-see” stores in New York. After all, as the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do!” In this case, the saying certainly can be interpreted to mean shopping! Of course, there are thousands and thousands of retail shops in the New York City area, but here are a few that have been making waves over the past year:

• Everlane: Opening in early December, to rave reviews and long lines, Everlane is a contemporary boutique for stylish, high-quality takes on basic clothing for men & women with more of a showroom approach. For example, their denim wall displays product in all cuts and sizes for the purpose of trying on; transactions, however, are actually conducted online.
  
  Known as a digital-first company, the Everlane store in New York has buzzers to alert shoppers when a fitting room has opened up and an easy checkout system that utilizes existing customers’ shopping information. As well, the retailer has a wall featuring postcards with information about the company's various factories in Los Angeles, Peru and Vietnam reminding shoppers of the brand's commitment to transparency and ethical production.

• Todd Snyder: Calling itself a “one stop shop for everything a stylish man could need” the retailer’s New York flagship store is a convergence of retail, high-end entertainment and self-care. Not only does the store stock all of Todd Snyder’s own designs and his collaborations with like-minded brands, but customers can also get a haircut at the in-shop Persons of Interest barber; grab a coffee or a beer and a bite at the in-house bar, El Rey; pick up a pair of sunglasses or eye glasses from Moscot; try on a vintage watch curated by the guys at Hodinkee; restock on grooming products from Aesop, or take home an iconic framed print from Sonic Editions.

• B&H Photo Video: Want to see Displaydata ESLs in action? B&H Photo Video’s New York superstore is the largest non-chain photo and video equipment store in the US and is the “go-to” place for the best prices and service for photographic, audio, video, computer and home entertainment. At the store, you can see more than 18,000 of our colorful Chroma labels that help align pricing and promotions with speed, accuracy and consistency. With our platform, B&H can quickly design, amend and send updates to one or all labels – in seconds. Stop by to experience this state of the art store and perhaps pick up a camera to document your time in New York!

• Turnstyle Underground Market: The Turnstyle Underground Market, located literally “underground” near the Columbus Circle Station, spans a full city block and features 39 unique eateries, shops and pop-up stores, 18 food vendors, 15 retail stores and 6 kiosks. A must-do for those who want to experience a more “out of the box” hipster-friendly day (and night) of shopping and eating.

• AE Studio New York: American Eagle Outfitters has turned its store located in Union Square into a, as Chain Store Age calls, customer-focused, experiential concept called AE Studio. “The focal point of the 15,892-sq.-ft. store is the first-floor ‘jeans gallery,’ complete with a ‘Maker’s Shop’ that offers options for customers to personalize their jeans. Throughout the gallery, products are presented as art pieces on canvas stretchers. iPads provide a deeper dive into product fit and specifications. The fitting rooms are also equipped with iPads that allow customers to personalize their shopping experience and engage the brand.” As well, the store also features a wall of washers and dryers where NYU students can do their laundry for free!

• Story New York: Lastly, one cannot go to New York without visiting the famed “Story” store. A unique retail space and concept, Story features a range of eclectic gift items curated around a constantly changing theme. It’s most recent “theme” as reported in Chain Store Age, was inspired by the upcoming movie musical, “The Greatest Showman” depicting the life of P.T. Barnum, complete with a circus-themed fantasyland, an eclectic mix of the movie’s licensed products and more “themed” items from brands including West Elm, Sugarfina and Samsung.

We hope you get a chance to visit these and any other stores that have been on your bucket list during your time at NRF!Are you attending to the Big Show? We’d love to give you a tour of our booth – 1411 – to see how our fully graphical three-color Electronic Shelf Labels are the best available. For more information on Displaydata’s NRF plans visit: www.displaydata.com/nrf