Shopping in the US - first timer

[cove]

We had Human Nature dancing on our front row table so that was wonderful.
Mrscove loved the Beatles show called Love.
Just reminding you that Tiffany,Bulgari and Georg Jensen are not bulky!
i am a pretty good shopper so I knew that!

 

[Wannabee]

Which show should I go to?

When I was there in Nov I saw:

Cirque du Soleil 'O' and David Copperfield

And

Depending on your taste and sense of humour then consider Absynthe. Definately do not go if you are easily offended or dislike swearing or sexual references

 

[AV8]

...Which show should I go to?

We went to Cirque du Soleil "Beatles Love" & "Elvis" - bought cheap tickets at Tix4Tonight - see website for locations in Vegas.

 

[blackcat20]

Premium Outlet North is my pick of the 2 outlets - Macy's amd Fashion Show Mall would cover everything else on a quick visit.

The North outlet is definitely the way to go. On my last visit to one of the Premium outlets $200 got me skechers, lucky brand jeans, coach handbag and a handful of tops.

Cirque du Soleil's O is also worth seeing...we sat in the front row and it was just amazing.

 

[Alanslegal]

The North outlet is a newer and better, however if you have spare time, you can always head on the same bus back down to the South outlets. That said, apart from the shows everyone talks about (been to Love, Mystere, O, Ka and a few others - been to LAS a few times time now), also remember to check out the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam etc

 

[Berlin]

Enjoy mate- if one has never been shopping in the US, it definitely is a treat! Actually, in my mind it still is even after the 50iest time!

Definitely don't do it online and then miss the rush, the joy, the bargains! I must admit, I usually surpass all the girls in my group with the sheer amounts of stuff that I buy. How could you not buy that premium brand suit for less than 300 bucks? And look, if you buy two pair of shoes, then you get a sweatshirt for free!

Plus- I also have a weakness for unhealthy fast food and sugary soft drinks so for me that entire place is paradise.

 

[rechoboam]

A tip. Especially if short of time Buy fashion magazines in the airport and tear out things you like then take the pictures to the department store or outlet. Then I just said, two of each in different colors please. Some were out of stock- I picked them up on the way to the airport and dumped them in an empty suitcase (suitcase packed in suitcase on the way to the US)

 

[Princess Fiona]

Bump !
Has anyone bought a Chanel bag in the LOTFAP?
Is it possible to get any tourist discounts at Nordstrom, Bloomies etc
I know I will be able to claim the tax back but wondered if any of the discount cards for tourists are valid for high-end purchases?
Any info welcome

 

[blackcat20]

Stores like Macy's give visitors a discount card, usually around 10%. Just need to slow your passport to the appropriate person. I'm sure many other stores are the same...

 

[Katie]

As Blackcat said, I'm only aware of Macy's offering a ~7-10% discount to overseas (& often interstate) visitors. In Honolulu last month, I got the discount at the register, even without going to Customer Services to get the card. At Macy's the discount is not valid for toiletries/fragrances. Can't use it for Mr Katie's deodorant.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Thankyou ladies
The hunt begins

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Bloomingdales used to give the 10% discount ( same as Macys) and a free Bloomies tote bag ( got heaps of those ) but I note from their website there is no mention of the discount any more

https://www.bloomingdales.com/about/shopping/international.jsp

Now it is just a "signature gift" when you spend $300 in a day.

And I am sure you cant claim the tax back on leaving the USA - unless this has just started happening this year.

 

[cove]

Now one for the ladies in AFF about shopping.
The sales person at South Coast Plaza Bulgari appears to have a photographic memory which is very handy for you avoiding buying two of the same thing when you are jet lagged.
Try Nicole in the month leading up to Christmas as you get a gift with purchase in that time slot. The Tiffany vase was just very very nice as a gift for buying pre Christmas.
I may only get there 2 or 3 times a year at the most and she will remember your name and preferences which to me is totally awesome.

 

[Pooch]

Bloomies do indeed offer a discount card for 'out of towners' ... it's only valid for one day, but you can request one every time you're in the store. Spend a fortune, and you'll receive a 'free' shopper or umbrella or whatever Nordsrtom offer nothing, but if you look for a Nordstrom Rack (their 'outlet' version - it's all regular Nordstrom stock that just hasn't sold ... but not Chanel unfortunately ...) you can often score some brilliant bargains - particularly in shoes! Happy hunting ...

 

[rechoboam]

You can't claim tax back (there may be some exceptions for some things in some states). It's to do with the definition of a value added tax vs state taxes.

 

[drron]

There are states that have no sales tax-Delaware is one,Minnesota dont charge it on clothing.Just google tax free states and you should get a list.
There used to be a Chanel outlet at Woodbury Commons but it no longer appears on their list of stores.Could try the Off 5th outlets.
The discount cards from Macys,Bloomies and Lord and Taylor all had exclusions including jewellery and designer fashions so unlikely to get something off Chanel.All these are owned by the same company-Bloomies did get rid of their traveller's discount12-18 months ago but it may have been restored due to poor US sales.
Found a US price list for you-
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bza...I1MC00YzNlLWI5YTItMmQ4MTYyMGE2YjZi/edit?pli=1

 

[Robert Qld]

One of my favourite sentences in the English language is 'Sale at Macys'. Nordstroms is definately a close second.

And don't be afraid to dig around the end of line racks as well (which I have found in American department stores to be huge and having a full range of sizes unlike Australia which tend to be only the extremes of either end).

I got my Macys discount last year even with out showing my passport. I guess my 'Aussie' accent was proof enough.

Since I was in New Orleans I also was eligable to get my city tax refunded. Of course that did need my passport, so I had to do it at the Airport (MSY). Now I have a $40 check from the state of Lousiana which I am not sure if I am is actually worth cashing...

I own way to many Hugo Boss clothes through some very shrewed bargin hunting in US Departments stores.

However too this day I am regretting missing out on going to the Burberry outlet store in not one, but two states when I was there last year!

 

[Deleted member]

What about Hawaii. Any experiences to report?

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

One of my favourite sentences in the English language is 'Sale at Macys'.

Those three words gets my heart racing too

 

[AV8]

What about Hawaii. Any experiences to report?

Same majors as the mainland (Macy's 10% card available at most checkouts in Hawaii just by showing Aussie drivers licence, sometimes without when they hear our accent) however there can be a price difference (additional fee to transport) in Hawaii - if you see it on the mainland buy it there as you are not guaranteed that it will also be available in Hawaii nor are the same goods available in each mainland state. There are premium outlets on Oahu but often Macy's sale (generally Fridays) in often better with discount card.