Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Shoppers on Staten Island
Top Things to Do in New York City for Shoppers on Staten Island
1. Empire Outlets
New York City’s only waterfront outlet complex puts name-brand deals right beside harbor breezes and skyline views. It’s steps from the St. George Ferry, so you can pair a free boat ride with open-air browsing and frequent pop-ups.
✓ Why Go:
Designer discounts without Manhattan crowds, easy ferry access, and photo‑worthy views make this a high‑value start to any Staten Island shopping day.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays from late morning to mid‑afternoon for lighter foot traffic; aim for golden hour if you want sunset shots over the harbor.
✓ Insider Tip:
NYC exempts most clothing and footwear under $110 from sales tax—stack that with outlet pricing. Use the onsite garage or walk over from the ferry terminal.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers praise the breezy waterfront setting, crowd‑free feel, and solid mix of brands at approachable prices.
2. Staten Island Mall
The island’s retail anchor packs national fashion brands, beauty, electronics, and a robust food court into a climate‑controlled, easy‑to‑navigate layout.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the most complete one‑stop shop on Staten Island—perfect for outfit refreshes, errands, and comparison shopping in one trip.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday evenings for quicker parking and fitting rooms; rainy or cold days when an indoor browse is ideal.
✓ Insider Tip:
Park near the wing of your target stores to save steps, and check for mid‑week promos that are less publicized than weekend events.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families and locals appreciate the broad selection, reliable parking, and convenience over trekking into Midtown.
3. The Boulevard
A modern, open‑air shopping center along Hylan Boulevard, blending everyday essentials with approachable fashion, fitness, and dining for an easy New Dorp stroll.
✓ Why Go:
Grab wardrobe staples, groceries, and gifts in a clean, walkable setting close to neighborhood cafés on New Dorp Lane.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for convenient parking; Saturdays right at opening for a smoother experience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bundle your trip with nearby indie eats on New Dorp Lane a few blocks inland; watch for mid‑week markdowns at anchor tenants.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors like the fresh feel, clear layout, and stress‑free pace compared with busier borough hubs.
4. Bricktown Centre at Charleston
South Shore’s power‑center cluster makes big‑box shopping painless—home goods, outdoor gear, and bulk buys with abundant parking.
✓ Why Go:
Efficient cross‑category shopping when you need larger items or value‑driven chains without city congestion.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid‑week afternoons for minimal lines and roomy aisles.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair your run with a nature reset at nearby Conference House Park—great for clearing the cart and your head.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers call it practical, uncrowded, and a welcome alternative to mainland mega‑centers.
5. Historic Richmond Town Museum Shop
Inside the living‑history village, this charming shop stocks locally made goods, books on Staten Island heritage, candles, and nostalgic sweets you won’t find at chains.
✓ Why Go:
Pick up authentic, locally rooted gifts and souvenirs that feel uniquely Staten Island.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons during seasonal festivals and fall harvest events for the broadest selection.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for small‑batch items tied to ongoing demonstrations and maker pop‑ups; Decker Farm’s seasonal stands are a quick detour.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the curated, homegrown feel and the sense of taking a real piece of the island home.
6. Snug Harbor Gift Shop
At Snug Harbor Cultural Center, the shop leans botanical and artsy—garden‑inspired gifts, teas, stationery, and items by local creatives set amid lush grounds.
✓ Why Go:
Combine a garden walk or gallery visit with thoughtful gifts that support Staten Island arts and green spaces.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring bloom and summer weekends for lively grounds; weekday mornings for quiet browsing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Members often receive discounts; check for Heritage Farm produce days to add fresh finds to your haul.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers praise the calm setting, tasteful selection, and the pleasure of shopping without bustle.
7. National Lighthouse Museum Store
A nautical trove by the harbor—maritime books, model ships, charts, and lighthouse‑themed gifts housed at the historic depot site near the ferry.
✓ Why Go:
Distinctive, maritime‑minded souvenirs that feel tied to Staten Island’s waterfront identity.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning before afternoon families arrive; easy to pair with a St. George lunch.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about limited‑edition prints of local lights; the staff is a great resource for hidden maritime titles.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors highlight knowledgeable staff and meaningful gifts that support preservation.
8. Alice Austen House Museum Shop
In a Victorian cottage on the Narrows, the boutique offers photography books, prints, and mission‑driven merch celebrating Alice Austen and NYC history.
✓ Why Go:
Find tasteful, art‑forward gifts with a strong sense of place—and a killer waterfront backdrop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for golden‑hour browsing and photos; weekends for author talks and community events.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a reusable tote—breezes off the water can be brisk—and check for small‑batch print drops.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers admire the quality over quantity and the inclusive storytelling behind the merch.
9. Staten Island Zoo Gift Shop
Animal‑themed toys, tees, and educational kits that delight kids and support local conservation right by the North Shore greenery.
✓ Why Go:
An easy, family‑friendly souvenir stop after exhibits with prices that don’t shock.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays during the school year for a mellow browse; summer mornings before the midday rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Members usually get a discount; check end‑of‑season racks for surprisingly good deals.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents say the selection is better than expected and appreciate purchases that support the zoo.
10. St. George Theatre Boutique
This restored 1929 gem sells show merch, SI‑themed gifts, and vintage‑style posters in a glam lobby just uphill from the ferry.
✓ Why Go:
Score classy, retro‑cool souvenirs and support a beloved local arts venue between shopping at the outlets and dinner in St. George.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Open around performance times—check the calendar and pop in pre‑show or during intermission.
✓ Insider Tip:
Even without tickets, ask about lobby hours for browsing; limited runs of posters sell out fast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Theatergoers rave about unique keepsakes, friendly staff, and the wow‑factor of the space itself.
