Recommendations

Scoop takes the pain out of shopping by providing fashionable, one-stop-shops for casual clothes & accessories, usually with adjacent mens, women's and kids stores

Guide: Euro (Giancarlo)
Location: Meatpacking District

Strengths

• Scoop has been around since '96, but they keep getting bigger and better, thanks in large part to co-founder Stefani Greenfield's eye for merchandising.
• The stores are laid out well, and the service is good, so you can get in and out quickly. They also put men's, women's and kids stores next to each other, to make it easier to shop with friends and family.
• I especially like their printed t-shirts, jeans, woven shirts, sunglasses and shoes.

Shortcomings

• Some of the salespeople have flamboyant style that can be a bit much for the more conservative types. Stick to what makes you comfortable.

Insider tips

• Go with a friend or girlfriend. If you go alone, the salespeople might get you all fired up about stuff that you won’t have the guts to wear.

Anecdotes

• This place makes the process much more efficient. Last time I went in, I walked out in less than 20 minutes with a pair of sneakers, 3 printed t-shirts, a sports-jacket, and a woven shirt. Meanwhile, next door, my girlfriend did even better.