Century 21

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

Grooms crowd this discount monolith to find great styles from lines like Hugo Boss and Kenneth Cole at 35 to 75 percent off. It’s also a solid standby for ties, cuff links, and the like.

Related Stories

Best of New York Awards

• "Best Bargain: Men's Underwear" (2009)