Frederick Bigler knows a lot about posh shopping along Fifth Avenue in New York City. A recent spree netted him two Burberry shirts, an Armani jacket and a pair of Ferragamo shoes.
A little timid about taking on shopping in the city? Don’t be. As The Peninsula New York’s chief concierge, Bigler’s insight makes your high-end shopping dreams come true.
“Shopping along Fifth Avenue should be a fearless, friendly and relaxing version of ‘Veni, vidi, vici’, ” Bigler says. But conquering the city does require planning. “If you don’t plan — call or email the concierge — one can lose focus quickly, as New York can be a bit like a giant candy store for the traveler craving all we have to offer.”
To help travelers come, see and conquer, The Peninsula concierges worked with LUXE City Guides to create PenCities, an exclusive online luxury lifestyle journal for the nine cities that host a Peninsula hotel. These guides feature insights into fine dining, entertainment, shopping, design, nightlife, spa and wellness. Think of it as insider, in-the-know information.
“For the New York edition, you can look for postings from hot new restaurants and museum exhibits to lesser-known jewels such as a luxury vintage shop downtown,” Bigler says.
Bigler has a wealth of shopping-in-the-city insight he’s happy to share firsthand with guests. First up, he suggests hiring a personal shopper and a chauffeur. “There is nothing better than calling your driver to come and pick up your bags while strolling to the next destination along Fifth,” Bigler says. “Now that is luxury.”
Another tip: Bring a few pairs of shoes. Which shoes a shopper is wearing while trying on clothing can make the difference in getting perfect tailoring. And just where should you plan to stop? Bigler offers these suggestions.
To start: the sleek, glass-walled Louis Vuitton New York One East, 1 E. 57th St. Select supple travel pieces sure to be the envy of fellow passengers, even among first-class boarding. But be sure to look beyond the luggage to classic wardrobe and accessory pieces, including wedding rings and watches.
“[Creative director] Marc Jacobs is brilliant, and his collaboration with Yayoi Kusama is nothing short of amazing,” says Bigler of the brand’s colorful, polka-dotted collection.
Another high-end haven is Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave. Here peruse dozens of luxury designers’ latest collections from Alexander McQueen — a favorite of the Duchess of Cambridge — to all-American designer Tory Burch.
Refresh at Café SFA for a light lunch while taking in the views of Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Just don’t overdo it, cautions Bigler. “My advice is to eat salads or lighter fare for fittings, drink Champagne for recreation, then finish with an espresso for energy.”
From Saks, head to Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Ave. This unique department store’s European and designer collections cannot be missed. Be sure to take a peek at the couture for a preview of the upcoming season. Not sure where to begin? Bergdorf Goodman offers complimentary appointments with the Personal Shopping Salon to make the most of the experience.
A new wardrobe might make that pulled-back hairstyle look dull. Schedule time at the Ponytail Bar at the John Barrett Salon for a fashionable twist on a style standby. In a half-hour or less, stylists will perfect your pony, from sleek to tousled, braided to twisted, all while you take in sweeping views of the city from this penthouse locale atop Bergdorf Goodman.
Read This Next
All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Oct 2, 2026Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica, Presents Exclusive Pop-Up Experience
Montego Bay’s Round Hill Hotel & Villas gears up for its new culinary collaboration with Chef Alex Dilling of Hotel Cafe Royal in London. The limited series of immersive dining experiences will run Nov. 25–28, with Chef Dilling bringing his modern French dishes to the Jamaican coast.
Sponsored Content
Why Japan Is Best Explored by Sea with Princess
Japan is a destination that rewards repeat visits because no two regions — or seasons — feel quite the same. One moment, you’re wandering through centuries-old geisha districts in Kanazawa. The next, you’re watching neon reflections dance across Tokyo streets long after midnight.
Daily
Oct 1, 2026Corinthia Hotels Launches Penthouses & Suites by Corinthia
Corinthia Hotels recently launched Penthouses & Suites by Corinthia, a collection of the brand’s most exceptional residences in cities including London, Rome, New York and Brussels.
Daily
Oct 1, 2026Loews Hotels & Co Launches New Wellness Programming: Active Stays by Loews Hotels
Loews Hotel & Co recently launched Active Stays by Loews Hotels, featuring new, on-property fitness offerings created with fitness trainer Makena Rae. This new experience aims to make movement approachable, flexible and personal for all travelers.
Sponsored Content
An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments
On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
Daily
Oct 1, 2026America’s First Dark Sky-Approved Resort Opens in Idaho
It’s official: Sun Valley Resort, along the border of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, has been certified as America’s first Dark Sky-approved resort destination. This recognition comes by way of the DarkSky Approved Lodging & Resorts Program by DarkSky International.
eFlyer Deals
Sep 30, 2026Key West Resort Celebrates 100 Years of Island History with New Deal
La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection celebrates its 100th birthday with a limited-time 100th Anniversary promotion, blending vintage island glamour with quintessential Key West experiences.
Sponsored Content
Global Traveler Hosted Trip on the Transcend Connect
JOIN GLOBAL TRAVELER ON ITS NEXT TRIP!
eFlyer Deals
Sep 30, 2026Cape of Senses Launches Golf-Themed Offer
This autumn, adults-only Cape of Senses in Italy’s Lake Garda welcomes better temperatures and changing scenery with two new offers.
ShareThis