Best Local Shopping - Astoria, LIC, Manhattan

Shopping Statistics, Tips, Online Shopping. From local gift shops, jewelry, home decor, organic health and beauty products to eyewear, fashionable boutiques and electronic stores, your neighborhood shopping district has it all.

Over the past decade, Black Friday has achieved a well-deserved reputation as the busiest shopping day of the year, and for a good reason. Black Friday marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season, as almost every year records for consumer purchasing are broken. As more and more companies are giving employees the day off as part of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, it gives us a chance to get a head start on our Christmas shopping. Many national retailers and big-box stores even open their doors as early as 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning to get the party started.

Some of us look forward to Black Friday shopping more than the actual Thanksgiving feast and gathering. It's all about the sales and savings. What a change from just a decade or so back in time. The Friday after Thanksgiving was, more than anything, a day to rest and recharge the batteries. Friday was a time to recover from all the eating, socializing and, perhaps, traveling that we did on turkey day.

Whether you live in Manhattan, Astoria or Long Island City, some of the best deals can be found when you shop locally. The stores in these areas, as well as in many other neighborhoods throughout the city, have as much, if not more, to choose from as any huge mall or big-box store. Steinway Street alone has an unmatched variety of places to shop. Not to mention the convenience of being able to walk or take a short drive to the stores of your choice. 

The people who own and work at local businesses are your neighbors. Support them with your hard-earned dollars. When money circulates within the neighborhood, it can only be a good thing for all concerned. Another benefit of doing your shopping close to home is personalized service. Small businesses are much more invested in developing a one to one relationship with their customers.

No matter how well prepared you might be and how thorough your list is, we all could use a little help when it comes to shopping on a busy day like Black Friday. That's where the friendly faces behind the counter at your local store come in.

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The owners of your neighborhood boutique, soap and scent shop, independently owned café or gift shops depend on you for business. They don't have a dozen stores all over the tri-state area. Unlike corporate chains, your neighborhood shopkeeper knows his or her local demographics and which products you are most interested in.

Visit the multitude of interesting, diverse shops in your neighborhood. You will be pleased to discover many hidden gems, great deals and fantastic gift ideas. For some special and unique gifts you will not find roaming around the mall, check out Luludi Living Frames, LIC Living, and The Little Soap Shop.

The night before Black Friday, why not let your fingers do the walking? Just use your smart phone or computer keyboard and search APLEZ.COM to find the best free deals and savings in your neighborhood. Be sure to take a break and enjoy a meal at a local favorite café, restaurant, bar or pub. If you are doing the Black Friday thing along Vernon Boulevard or Jackson Avenue in Long Island City, keep go-to places like Testaccio's, Manetta's, Alobar, Shi, and Masso in mind. In Astoria you can also replenish your energy at places like Bubba's Bistro, Sweet Spot, El Boqueron Tapas, The Butcher Bar, Antika Pizzeria, Via Trenta Osteria & Wine Bar, Ovelia, The Shady Lady, Gowasabi and of course, Flo Cafe just to name a few. Most of all, remember to give thanks for what you have in life and enjoy the day.

Happy Holiday Season to all!