Irish big spenders still flock to shop in New York City

Thanks for info Jamie...haven't heard of this order before...as you say, they are a credit to the church...and doing something practical to help others...as I'm not a great shopper, I much prefer using such places...after all, where else can you shop and go away feeling blessed and uplifted...

Next time come to Florida. The weather is much better and the prices on items, all kinds, are alot cheaper. Your $$ will stretch further and the room rates are also cheaper. Then we have the ocean and Guinness too. So come to Florida and have a crac and shopping spree!

@DanOLoingsigh, I understand what you're talking about. Our Humility of Mary is a thrift shop. The nuns are so genuinely Christian that they welcome Protestants as donors and volunteers and they're always cheerful and helpful. The quality of donated clothing is top-notch - clean, gently worn, and in good shape. The nuns go over each item before putting it out for sale. HOM has so many nice things for people, especially those with very limited resources. Outlets are an excellent source for designer brands at a lower cost. I shop the outlets at every opportunity. Outlets can be found across the U.S.

It looks like these ladies are pretty savy shoppers. Woodbury Commons seems to be a Primier Outlet mall like we have here in Virginia, an excellent source for designer brands. Thrift stores are great too.

jamieLM - Thanks, as far as I recall the thrift shop was run by a religious order...they sold some religious material, as well as some old but 'in good shape' things, and some new stuff which had been donated...anyway, left with a full bag and a blessing...hadn't meant to buy anything, but the nuns were just so genuine....

@DanOloingsigh, where I live in the U.S. (Midwest), thrift shops and Outlet malls are 2 different things. Ktoneill is right about saving money at the Outlets.

ktoneill - Thanks for the info...I found some good stuff in what I think you call Thrift shops...and very nice staff, a couple of nuns, in fact...Pittsburgh as far as I recall...

I don't understand people coming from Ireland to shop in NY when it's the most expensive place to do so. If you are looking to save money and get twice as much stuff for $3,000 you should consider Outlets in Maine (Kittery & Freeport - outside Portland) Wrentham (outside Boston) or other small places. If you want your NY fix then go there for a couple of days first and then go to the aforementioned stores to complete the trip.

Why wouldn't they when prices for jeans, shirts, sweaters, cosmtics etc. can be 60% cheaper? I spend a lot of time in Ireland and am amused when I see prices for identical items in stores there and compare them to Macy's or Lord & Tayor. One example stands out, I picked up a brand name sweater in the states for $69.99 (on sale admittedly) and during an Irish visit a few weeks ago saw the identical item on regular sale at EUR 125. At today's exchange rate that equates to $168.50. Saw the brand of cologne that I purchase for $63 in New York on sale in a Dublin store (in a smaller size) for EUR57 ($77). On top of the savings, the ladies get a break in the Big Apple.