Since I started working at Midwest Airlines, I’d heard airline people talk about the fabulous deals they got on purses down on Canal Street. Designer bags — knock-offs, real? Maybe a mix of both. Who really knows? Sounded exciting. Sounded fun. We were anxious to see.
What we found were blocks of old warehouse buildings lined at street level with dozens of roll-up steel doorways in each building. Each Canal Street “shop” looked alike and was no more than 10 x 10 feet square with merchandise spilling out onto the sidewalk. Now this was not a glamorous 
location. If you’re inclined to this sort of down-and-dirty bargain hunting, then you have to expect a little grit and maybe a little risk.
The “designer” purses on view from the street looked okay — well, maybe just cheap. Not impressive enough to pass off at home as a true designer bag. I really own a few and these were definitely not. But the best Canal Street s
elections are to be found by invitation only — under the display table, hidden in a shopping bag or displayed in a private back room. (The purse-laden back walls have a concealed door to the back room.) Tawdry? Kind of creepy? Illegal? Dangerous? Probably all of those and then some. But there’ more …
As you wander down the Chinatownstreet, you’ll notice men and women whispering things to you. Yes, to you. They say “Gucci” or Louis Vuitton” or some other designer name that is barely audible. If you express an interest, they guide you down the street, maybe around a corner to a “location” where the goods are sold. It might be in a dank
basement or up three flights of stairs into a collection of roughly divided “showrooms.” You make your selections, pay cash and your “guide” escorts you back to the corner where you started. (If we chose not to purchase, we experienced no problem.)
It’s said that the FBI investigates this sort of business. But it’s right there going on for anyone who would care to shop. A co-worker told me she had just gotten into one of the shops when customers were hustled out and told to return in 30 minutes. When she returned, it was back to business as usual.
Independence Day Special - 20% Off at eBags.com from July 4th through July 6th
NEXT: Did You Ever Lose Your Hotel?
TIPS:
1)Cash Only. Don’t give checks or credit cards. Carry your cash in various locations — pockets, a hidden travel wallet or even in your shoe. It’s a crowded city environment — stay safe.
2)Canal Street. Most purse shopping is done on Canal between Lafayette and Bowery. Watch where other shoppers are going. You’ll also find some jewelry, pashminas, watches and assorted other knock-off items.
3) Haggling Encouraged. Purses may range from $30 to $65 or so. Buy 2 and ask for a better price. Buy 3 or more and you should be able to name your price. I got three $40-$60 purses for $100.
4) Caution with Blanket Vendors. Others parts of New York are filled with “blanket vendors” — people who spread out a blanket on the sidewalk and display purses, illegal DVDs, etc. If you buy from one of them, keep your hand on your cash until you have your purchase in hand. If the vendor spots the “authorities” in the middle of a transaction, he’ll grab up the blanket of goods and run.
5) Pack an Extra Duffle Bag. You’ll undoubtedly see purses and wallets you’ll want to buy. Pack a duffle bag in your suitcase that can be used as checked baggage on your return flight.
6) Check The Purse Blog. Take a look at what the designers are showing this year and what’s hot before you shop. Many of the styles on Canal Street are a year or several years old. Still nice, but know what you’re getting before you go.
10-13-06. Here’s a post that offers photos of Louis Vuitton purses that are being shown for spring. Check it out before hitting Canal Street.
If you’d like to get fresh & fun travel ideas on a regular basis, Subscribe to my blog by E-mail or by RSS feed
![]()
