Standing at the crossroads of fashion at Fifth Avenue and 58th Street in New York City, Bergdorf Goodman is known throughout the world for elegance, luxury, and superior service. Discover the evolution of this New York legend below: 1899 Edwin Goodman works for Herman Bergdorf, an immigrant from Alsace, in his tailoring establishment just above Union Square in downtown Manhattan. 1906 Goodman purchases the store from Bergdorf and moves to the site where Rockefeller Center now stands. 1914 Goodman is the first couturier to introduce ready-to-wear, making Bergdorf Goodman the destination for premier American and French fashion. 1928 Bergdorf Goodman moves to its present location, the former site of the great Cornelius Vanderbilt mansion. With Goodman's son, Andrew, as President, the store continues innovations such as an incomparable fur salon, the exclusive Bergdorf Goodman Number Nine perfume, and Miss Bergdorf, a ready-to-wear line for the younger customer. 1953 Goodman retires as the most celebrated merchant of his time, with many accolades including the Legion of Honor from France. 1986 "The Decorative Home on Seven" is created to house antiques, porcelains, silver, crystal, linens, stationery, home furnishings, and delicacies from around the world. Today, the floor is home to Jane Stubbs' first-edition and one-of-a-kind books and prints, along with a special collection of books from Assouline. Luxury stationers Smythson of Bond Street, along with a bridal salon and gift registry, are also housed there. 1990 The Men's Store opens its doors directly across the street at 745 Fifth Avenue. 1997 Formerly the Goodman family residence, the penthouse atop the store, is converted into the John Barrett Salon and Susan Ciminelli Day Spa. 1999 The Beauty Level opens directly below the main floor, offering 15,000 square feet of luxury with eight spa rooms exclusively for facials, skincare consultations and special treatments, and Goodman's Cafe, serving lunch and afternoon tea. 2002 Artisans and craftspeople begin a dramatic restoration of the Main Floor of the Women's Store. 2003 New boutiques open for CHANEL, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, and Yves Saint Laurent. 2004 BergdorfGoodman.com debuts in Fall 2004

Famed American designer Tom Ford's luxury menswear has the forceful intent of, say, his former employer, Gucci, but with a more distinctly individual style, acting more as a look than a brand, as Gucci has always been guilty of the opposite. The flagship Tom Ford store on Madison Avenue is as luxurious and masculine as the clothes it sells: Ford's clothes are like the facade of a steel skyscraper, using the inherent angles and strength of a man's own architecture to make him stand out. Always classy and never tacky, Tom Ford's collection of menswear is the ultimate in statements and stateliness.

Legendary by any musician's account, Rudy's has been in business seemingly as long as rock 'n roll itself. With a selection of new and used guitars that puts to shame the processed, corporate offerings of neighboring—and unmentionable—big box stores, Rudy's has earned their reputation as being the musician's shop of choice. For those in need of unbeatable servicing and repair, try Rudy's Repair Shop around the corner.

Saks is one of NYC's legendary department stores, alongside Bergdorfs, Barneys, Bloomies, and Bendels. You'll find everything you could ever think of here, like beauty products on the first floor from NARS, Mac, T. LeClerc, La Mer, and many more. There is also a separate floor for women's fashion and young fashion, which makes shopping easier and more organized for all clientele.

The classic choice for classy menswear. What the handbag does for a woman, a good Brooks Brothers suit does for a man: It is an utterly necessary staple. In addition to menswear, there are also lots of polished clothing options for women and children…not to mention an entire collection by Thom Browne, one of the most celebrated menswear designers of our time.

The Mecca of New York's considerable comic book culture, Midtown Comics sits on one of the largest inventories of graphic novels, comics, manga, and novels of any specialty store in the country, owing mostly to their hugely popular online store. With two locations in New York—the flagship store in Midtown and another near Grand Central—the only negative to Midtown Comics is that it is, perhaps, too popular.