On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

Century 21

3 star rating
based on 373 reviews

Categories: Department Stores, Thrift Stores

Neighborhood: Financial District
22 Cortlandt St
(between Broadway & Church St)
New York, NY 10007
(212) 227-9092
Nearest Transit:

Fulton St-Broadway-Nassau (2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, M, Z)

World Trade Ctr-Park Pl (2, 3, A, C, E)

World Trade Center (PATH)

Hours:

Mon-Wed. 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Thu-Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

373 reviews for Century 21

Review Highlights   

user photo
"I always laugh when I see the bags that say "New York's Best Kept Secret." (in 6 reviews)
user photo
"Most designer brands, even some I can't pronounce." (in 88 reviews)
user photo
"With patience and an open mind, you can find great deals here." (in 76 reviews)
loading  Loading...
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of vanessa y.

 

38

109

vanessa y.

Toronto, ON

Canada

3 star rating
11/22/2009

if you lack patience, get anxious in crowded areas, can't deal with disorder, then do NOT go to Century 21.
sure, you may have bragging rights and get a short high from "finds", scavenged from a tower of leftover, poorly planned procurement and/or purposely-made "overstock" and/or low-end designs designed for warehouse-direct sale.
when time = money, however, you may need to reconsider worth of the "finds".
i did it. one time. and that's enough for the century.
after my own short high, i spent my time seeking a quiet corner to wait out my friend's buzz and all the while scanning and desperately seeking eye contact with ANYone else that might identify with my feeling of 'wtf is going on here?! they need couches.'
advice: go alone, quickly. risk a relationship if you choose to ignore.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Diana M.

Elite '09

3

86

Diana M.

Brooklyn, NY

3 star rating
11/18/2009

I'm not too crazy about the Century 21 dept store in the city, it is way to messy for me. I've always loved their bags and wallets area. They have a wide variety of selections and at cheap prices.

I havent bothered looking in the other areas because this place attracts way too many tourists and increasese the crowds. If you have an idea of what you want- go for it

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Panthea J.

Elite '09

308

194

Panthea J.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
10/20/2009

I'll bet they had a hard time categorizing Century 21 on Yelp.  "Department Store?" Sort of, but not in the classic sense. "Thrift store?" They sell new clothes that have been priced well below retail. Sometimes from $3000 down to $1000.  

I would definitely add "Local Flavor" and maybe even "Entertainment."  Otherwise, go on a Wednesday at 2:00 before Thanksgiving or after MLK day.  My elbows are sharp enough to shop here, but my patience usually isn't.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Marlo W.

Elite '09

185

399

Marlo W.

New York, NY

4 star rating
Updated - 11/4/2009

It's 8 am and Century opened 15 minutes ago.

You go to the second floor to find a few items---you know exactly what you're looking for and where they are on the floor.  Gotta be strategic...get in and out as fast as possible so as not to deal with the onslaught of tourists.

You search the racks..."WHAT!  Only medium and large?  Why bother working out and staying fit?!?  You'd have better luck at Century if you had something extra to grab!

Ah, okay...this will do!

There's no line at the register...quick!  Go!"

And there you are, the first one on line...3 people behind the counter all doing something which makes them waaaay too busy to acknowledge you.  You ask one of the women if there's anyone open.  She directs you to a cashier clear down and around the other side of the counter.

As you pay, Rihanna's "Please Don't Stop the Music" comes on and the cashier begins to sing with a cold as she staples the receipt to my bag 4 times:

"Ma ma say, ma ma sa
Ma ma coo sa
Ma ma say, ma ma sa
Ma ma coo sa."

Century 21...nothing else like it!

Was this review …?

 

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    12/11/2008

    Century 21 Shopper Tips

    Try to show up when they just open.  Everything's straightened out and the… Read more »

Photo of JennyKayt C.

 

7

33

JennyKayt C.

New York, NY

3 star rating
11/3/2009

*Patience is the key*

... If you're willing to put up with rude customers (definitely had another shopper tell me to fuck off once), awful dressing rooms, unhelpful staff, and chaos, then this is the place for you! (seriously)  The times when I've had the patience to sort through this mess of a store, I've actually been able to get some pretty sweet threads for an even sweeter price!  

However, if you're in a rush, only have 15 minutes to browse, or are easily aggravated, staaaay away.  No bargin is worth the stress this place will cause you in your frantic state!

3 stars because sometimes it's great aaaand sometimes it's awful

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Erika C.

 

27

56

Erika C.

North Hollywood, CA

4 star rating
10/30/2009

this is the first time that i've had the time to really walk through this place.... O M G .... it is a freakin maze..... and huge beyond my ability to comprehend!

I'm not much of a rack shopper.... i don't have the patience to rifle thru racks and racks of clothes... but from what i could see and from what i heard from others... there are some AMAZING finds to be had here. I was quite impressed with the MASSIVE selection they had in pretty much everything.... you could easily spend an entire day here and still have to come back the next day to check out the next floor.

I tapped out after an hour cuz i just couldn't breath anymore... i did however find an amazing pair of shades Stella McCartney orig: $250 for $35?!?!?! insane... and i love them! and a beautiful jeweled cuff for 15 bucks..... there are definitely many many things that i could've walked out with, but there was no way i'd be able to fit all that stuff in my luggage..... next time though ... i will be prepared to check in another bag with all my finds.

keep in mind though, there is also alot of crap out there..... patience and stamina is what needed for aplace like this... maybe even pack a bottle of gatorade in ur bag along with a energy bar. . . seriously.... lolz

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Laura K.

Elite '09

4

76

Laura K.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
10/25/2009

If insanity called a store home, it would live at Century 21.  This place is a madhouse.  Chaos personified.

Yes, there are brand names and deals to be found, but you need the patience of a saint to handle all the tourists and needle-in-a-haystack racks.  If you want to spend several hours looking for a bargain, you will find them, for sure.  But it's a lot of time to dig through the racks---especially if you were on a short trip, like I was.  If you're a New Yorker, I'm sure you avoid this place on the weekends like the plague.

After spending 2-3 hours here with my friends, the only thing bought by any of us was a pack of socks.  What a deal.  Not at all a waste of our time.  I saw some cute shoes, but nothing so amazing that I needed to cram into my suitcase.  The dressing room people are strict and they mean business.  A friend tried on some dresses and my other friend went to help---and she needed a guest pass to go in.  Also, you cannot try on lingerie of any sort in the fitting room.  I realize theft is a concern, but damn.  You count how many pieces go into the dressing room---how can you steal a bra if all items are being counted.

I love to shop, possibly more than the next girl, but Century 21 is too exhausting for me.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Louise P.

 

12

35

Louise P.

Yonkers, NY

3 star rating
10/22/2009

I want to give it 5 stars but it is just SO overwhelming. For such a huge store, you would think it would never be so crowded. But it is!
I took my mom there at 9 am so we could be there when they opened the doors. But a few tour buses of tourists got the same idea so we were trampled trying to get in when they unlocked the door.
You really can't beat the deals though. It takes a while to sift through everything and fight the endless crowds, but there are some awesome finds! I usually find something I like in the handbag section. I've gotten a really nice winter coat there for a super discount and one of my favorite tank tops.
I always laugh when I see the bags that say "New York's Best Kept Secret." Secret my ass!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Kat I.

Elite '09

9

103

Kat I.

New York, NY

3 star rating
10/20/2009

On my latest visit here, I thought to myself.. why do I do this to myself again?
A gazillion tourists! It's like shopping on the subway.. push shove push... but with clothes, candy, shoes, etc.
I actually witnessed a New Yorker teach some ettiquete as follows: (yelling) "Say Excuse Me!!"  Now the woman looked scary, so the tourist said "So sorry, so sorry" and scurried away as fast as he could!
Other than that, there's tons of stuff, I still prefer Loehmann's, however Century has housewares and a larger men's dept.
What I could appreciate, before I gave up, was the Shoe Dept. It had great boots at very good prices, so if you're zen and caffeinated enough to deal with the mayhem.. knock yourself out! (just be careful no one else does .. be well-mannered and patient ;)

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Monica M.

 

2

25

Monica M.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
10/28/2009

Yes, it is insane.  But I have been going here since I was in college and I can't help it -- anytime I need, say, long underwear, or shoes, or some new underpinnings...well, chances are I will eventually decide to hop down to Century 21 and make myself crazy for hours.  It's sort of silly, frankly, because I rarely buy any clothes from them, but I still spend hours in the racks upstairs.  I almost always leave with some new socks or tights, though.  And seriously: the long underwear selection is awesome *and* cheap.  Man, I am old.

Also, the new little baskets you can wheel around with you are genius!  Sure, it adds another dimension of customer combat, but I definitely stay longer when I am not collapsing under the weight of my huge work/laptop bag.  Thank you Century 21!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Erika G.

Elite '09

329

950

Erika G.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
10/19/2009 1 photo

I didn't buy anything on this trip to NYC, but since Fashion is my Art, I always have to make a pilgrimage here for at least an hour or two.

However, on this trip, is everything in fashion nowdays shoddy, cheaply made and ugly? I didn't find one thing. Well, unless you count the Pucci dress I didn't have a spare $1110 lying around to purchase.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Dan K.

 

2

45

Dan K.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/21/2009

I stopped here for the first time a couple weeks ago while visiting NYC from Chicago.  I am definitely a fan.

Note, this place is discount, which does not always mean cheap.  You will see John Galliano coats for $2,000.00 that were originally $6,000.00.  But you will also see Ralph Lauren coats for $99.00.  

It's overwhelming and you need a lot of time and patience here.

What is most annoying that the men's section does not have fitting rooms, unless you're buying a suit.  So, you literally have to try tops on over your tshirt and you can't try bottoms on...so if they don't fit, you have to return them.  That is ridiculous to me.

I don't go here to get armloads of clothes...I go to find special items that somehow ended up here: a Marc Jacobs coat that retails for $2,000.00 and I got it for $250.00.

Great selection of underwear and socks and ties for men.  The women's handbag section is huge.

The cosmetics/fragrance staff is very pushy, but ok.

You will not find assistance here.  They are not into customer service..so you need to know that going in.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Leighann F.

Elite '09

1170

642

Leighann F.

Cambridge, MA

3 star rating
9/15/2009

Now I'm not one to brag, but I recently bought a sweet pair of $100 pumps in here for $30. They are chic, comfortable and purple--a color of shoe that I realized I just don't have enough of in my closet.

But what did I have to go through to get said shoes and the aforementioned deal? Holy Hell. Since there was no one around to assist me, I literally rifled through everyone single box on the shelves, searching for my size. Typically, this characteristic would be listed on the box, but that feature is null and void here at Century 21, because half the shoes in the boxes are the wrong size or they are mismatched!

The hunt in this case, the clawing through box after box, was worth it. But had I not worn my patience hat that afternoon, with my matching mask of determination, I would never set foot in this store. It is not for the weak or feeble-minded.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Rick F.

Elite '09

564

360

Rick F.

Atlanta, GA

2 star rating
9/4/2009

Inexpensive clothing! Name Brands, be prepared to spend an entire afternoon fighting through some strange crowds to find a few good things!

Not my style!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Alex S.

Elite '09

92

1500

Alex S.

New York, NY

3 star rating
Updated - 8/21/2009

One of the many necessary evils in Manhattan, this Century 21 is easily the best of it's sister locations in the other boroughs.  While that's not saying a whole lot, most will know shopping here can either mean hell or heaven depending on who you're asking.

With the economy in a slump and NYC's lack of sales tax for everything under $110, you're bound to find all sorts of people in here.  Tourists is a given, but so are the hardcore locals who will stand at nothing to snag a Kathy Van Z bag or that DKNY graffiti T.  It's screams competition in every sense of the word, and every man, woman, and child is out there for themselves.

The obvious stuff:   service is likely to suck, the crowding is an issue (or adventure), and inventory is stretched pretty thin, especially during the holidays.  But in the end, it's about the prices.  With sales any cheaper, they may as well be renamed Conway (http://www.yelp.com/bi...).  But alas, this is not cheaply made material, just discounted retail.

A patient shopper tends to be the one that finds success in this store.  After all, combing through the various aisles of unfolded or messy clothing is like a treasure hunt and can be very rewarding experience for the average bargain shopper.  There are no fitting rooms here, so be sure everything fits.  Or take a page from the many unbashful shoppers, who will try anything and everything in front of any of the store's many mirrors.

Think of the long lines for the cashier like virtual finish line from a long day of battle.  It gives everyone time to reflect on their purchases, good or bad.  Some will have headaches from the experience and for others, a smile from the overwhelming satisfaction of cheating retail once again.

Was this review …?

 

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    10/14/2007

    Not to be confused with the real estate business, Century 21 is a department store that is something… Read more »

Photo of Myra M.

 

5

162

Myra M.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/1/2009

When I'm in the city, I usually stop by here after I go to the gym or while my friends are still at work. I try to come either Thur or Mon morning, but at times Fri morning; never on the wkend. And I really have to be in the mood... because there definitely were times when I walked in and walked right out... due to not being in the proper  mind-set or shopping mode.
When everything is in proper allignment, then I am ready to enjoy a few hours at this enormous designer discount store that Carrie in "Sex in the City" made famous so many years ago.
I was pleasantly surprised to hear that my friend took the day off from his finance world... and shocked when he suggested going here after our work out at Equinox.  So I already knew that my time shopping would be cut short since he was tagging along and of course to spare his sanity.
Lately I have to admit that I do take advantage of the "no tax under $110 per item"... that apparently is still going on.  And there are pretty great deals if you have the patience to search thru the countless racks.  
One thing that of course is what most people complain about is how crazy crowded this huge place can get... the line to enter the fitting room and the store's poor attempt to control chaos by not allowing one to exit the same way one entered the fitting area... But they will hold stuff for you at the entrance... and have to walk all the way around to get it.  And of course the other wait is the almost endless line to pay.
So clearly one has to be in the right mood to shop here... if you are, you will absolutely think it's fabulous... as I do; but if you are not in that shopping mode, then you will most likely hate it.
Another cool thing about Century 21 is it's location.  When I get here or when I leave I walk by across the street to look at ground zero.  It always blows me away to see that big empty space where the twin towers once were over 8 years ago.   And it always makes me feel so forever grateful for so many things.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Rafael M.

 

9

46

Rafael M.

Brooklyn, NY

3 star rating
8/24/2009

I'm not a huge shopper, so naturally I feel a slight aversion to the mentioning of this place, and this is considering that I first shopped here only two days ago.  FML!!!!  This is what was pulsing through my mind when we entered this expansive universe of a store.  While I ended up finding a few worthwhile things I still have mixed feelings about the store.  

You will definitely have to deal with throngs of unruly and rude shoppers but you might get lucky and score a Ben Sherman sweater way discounted or a cool pair of shoes to fit a more sophisticated image you might be going for, like me.

From the few hours I spent here, I gathered that Americans are something of a minority, as many of the other shoppers were apparently vacationing.  Having said this, I want to also preface my next statements by saying I love diversity.  This is merely an observational inference. When I bump into someone I apologize.  This is not so much the case here.  I was bumped into more than a couple of times by foreign visitors who never bothered to say, "excuse me" or anything to that effect.  I think that if there is one thing the American education system teaches us it is rules of politeness.  Guess other countries don't emphasize this as much.  Other than that our educational system sucks.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Diana T.

Elite '09

13

72

Diana T.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/26/2009

This place totally reminded me of Primark when I stepped in...but only LESS crowded. Everyone warned me beforehand that I would see swarms of people, but the swarm did not compare to the London version of "name brand department discount store". However, I thought the selection was huge. Be ready to spend at least a few hours in here to DIG. I found a ton of stuff I wanted to buy, but totally restrained myself bc my bag was really small. "Next time!" I told myself. The shoe section is hard to find, but supposedly you're supposed to follow the footsteps on the floor. They also have these pretty obnoxious shopping baskets that turn into pulley things so you can just lug your stuff around. I found it created more problems for me since I had so little stuff. The sales associate are not that helpful. But I think I wouldn't be either if I had to work in a store with tons of women scavenging.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of CELESTE T.

 

29

127

CELESTE T.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
9/20/2009

Ugh this place has so many good deals I wanna vomit! They have a better selection for men than for women, but it's still really great. Be warned: You're might have to dig, and it's often crowded and messy.

You don't even need Yelp to hear about C21. *THAT* is how good it is.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Hecuba H.

 

0

2

Hecuba H.

New York, NY

3 star rating
11/15/2009

The prices aren't as good as they once were and the crowds are worse than ever. But the lines to pay are usually pretty short, and there are still good deals to be had. You can usually get fairly cheap male business attire like ties, belts, and dress shirts, but the men's shoe selection is pretty weak.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Alexandra R.

 

1

28

Alexandra R.

New York, NY

2 star rating
8/21/2009

I love Century 21, but the one is New Jersey is so much better. I went to this one and almost had an anxiety attack it was so crowded and hectic.
I like leisurely browsing and trying things on, this was like Operation: SHOP.
Century 21 is great though because brands like Free People, I like, but aren't worth the price for the quality of clothing.
It's nice to get clothes I like but don't think are worth it, at the price I do think it's worth.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Kimberly L.

Elite '09

20

62

Kimberly L.

New York, NY

4 star rating
8/20/2009

I've been going to C21 for about 10 years. It has totally become too crowded since being Zagat rated. It is completely packed from wall to wall with tourists and customer service is non-existant....however I do get some great steals here.

Recently purchased a beautiful Milly summer dress with rhinestones marked down to under $50! I've bought Lilly Pulitzer, Seven, D&G and Tory Burch items at seriously low prices.

The home section is great!! Large selection of famous brands: bedding, dishes, pots & pans are what you find in NY department stores

It is hard to find sizes and you must be willing to shift through the racks and merchandise but I love it!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Bria D.

Elite '09

27

162

Bria D.

Brooklyn, NY

2 star rating
8/22/2009

Stampede.  Of.  Tourists.

1 lunch break + $70 + vague sense of placelessness and culture shock = fancypants headband I've worn once + half-sleeved cardigan I've yet to wear

This place makes Filene's Basement look orderly.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Lauren L.

Elite '09

18

225

Lauren L.

Brooklyn, NY

2 star rating
7/25/2009

not impressed.

I went with high hopes. After hearing so many folks raving about this store, I decided to give it a go. I like nice, designer things. I like them a lot more when I can afford them.

I do not like digging through racks of damaged "designer" clothing while elbowing away some woman and her 14 children who don't understand the concept of personal space. I do not like digging through a rack of jeans and finding them all to be a size 26 waist. Every single pair.

I do understand that this is a hit or miss kinda place. But the miss was so great that I can't really see myself coming back here.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Michele G.

 

5

43

Michele G.

New York, NY

2 star rating
8/7/2009

Argh... why are you so crowded all the time? I blame it on the tourists, the great deals and the complete inability to find something in a timely manner because nothing is ever in order.

Still if I'm down in the area and exhibiting masochistic tendencies I will stop by for a browse.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of ronald s.

Elite '09

93

606

ronald s.

Boston, MA

3 star rating
10/2/2009

i spend a lot of time in nyc - and this store has been around a long time - but not until recently did i make the trek downtown to check it out.. now i almost regret it - regret not going sooner and regret knowing that i can spend so much money on so much clothes (they are marked down to reasonable prices and i can always find tons of clothes that i like and that are in my size ...) they make it too easy to spend, but they save you dough.

sounds good right? sometimes its PACKED and sometimes you find NOTHING.. go a few times, and dig and spend time looking and you will be rewarded with an overcrowded wardrobe.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Adam Z.

Elite '09

5

211

Adam Z.

New York, NY

3 star rating
8/17/2009

I like Century 21 because of it's  huge selection and great prices. I just hate that this store is always packed, and some sections are a mess, making it hard to search through. It's hard enough to shop here on a weekday with so many people; I can't imagine it on weekends. I've got some good deals here but I find it hard to make myself go back and get lost in the giant mess again just to get a bargain.

I went to the store in Brooklyn a few days ago as well. It's all the way down in Bay Ridge, the second to last stop on the R train. Although it's much less crowded, the selection pales in comparison.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of KB S.

 

4

10

KB S.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
7/29/2009

Today was ruined by my experience at this store.  

We went to shop at 5:30pm, and stayed until closing.  I shopped for over one hour in the shoe dept., finally finding two pair that I really liked. I took them with me to the clothing dept. and tried to pay for them with the clothes I wanted to purchase, just to be told by a very low-class, angry, unprofessional "manager" that I was NOT ALLOWED to purchase them unless the shoes were tagged separately.  The boxes each described the shoes perfectly, yet this was not enough to warrant a sale.  The manager inappropriately attempted to lecture me on the policy, as if it was posted everywhere and I just didn't see it.  But the policies are NOT posted, and I wasted 3 hours at this store and left with nothing.  I cannot believe I had to practically beg to be allowed to spend money!!

Dressing room staff treat customers like thieves in a prison, screaming rules every few minutes.  While standing at the register waiting, waiting, I turned around to look at some tops on a rack that was inches away from the line.  I was then man-handled by a female security guard who told me to stop looking, that I needed to just stand at the register and wait, because it was not fair to the workers who were attempting to then fix the items on the rack, per their closing duties.  No worker was around doing this, instead a group of them was a good 20 feet away, talking and laughing.  

The whole experience was so stressful! I can't remember ever being treated so badly by a place where I am spending my money without need. I will NEVER step foot into these stores again.  Terribly run business!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Shaina S.

 

9

68

Shaina S.

Brooklyn, NY

1 star rating
9/3/2009

My old office building used to be 2 doors down from Century 21, so on more than a few occasions with an idle lunch break, I'd wander in to shop for their cosmetics or look for some under-priced Triple Five Soul threads [this was back when T5S actually made cute shit.]  I remember it being fairly crowded, thoroughly unorganized and slightly infuriating, but I always managed to find something worthwhile and could make it in and out of there unscathed.

My office moved to the Seaport over 2 years ago, so I haven't made it back to Century 21 that often.  A year or so ago I tried to go into the shoe department; I had a cup of coffee in my hand [covered] and as I walked in the door, I was rudely scolded by a woman who told me no beverages were allowed inside.  Spoke to me like I was a kindergartner who just colored on the walls and should have known better, as opposed to a women who is perfectly capable of drinking a beverage without spilling it on herself, others, clothes or shoes.  There may even have been some finger-wagging involved.  Get the fuck outta here.  There are no signs to specify this beverage policy anywhere.  I left and haven't returned to the shoe department since.

On Monday of this week, I had some spare time and was hoping to find an outfit for Electric Zoo this weekend, so I figured I'd try Century 21 since there really aren't too many other options around the Financial District.  

Never.Again.      Ever.

I have never seen a shopping establishment this crowded.  Not even Whole Foods the day before Thanksgiving.  And for all the people who are there to "shop on their lunch breaks" there are 30 more people there simply because it was listed in some tour guide as "the best shopping secret downtown!"  Everyone is pushing and shoving, people are standing in the middle of the main aisles with tour maps out.  Crowds of people block the entrances and exits to the escalators.  The store is filthy...clothes are strewn everywhere, there is no order to any of the racks.  Customers were screaming at the employees...employees were cursing at the customers.  It was despicable.  Consumerism at its worst.  At one point, I almost kicked a young child in the head as he stopped dead in his tracks in front of me amidst a crowd of 200 people to tie his shoes.  I felt my rage rising and got out of there as fast as possible.

So yea, if you're looking for a Free People t-shirt from last season that's about $20 less than it was at the actual Free People store while rubbing elbows [and other body parties] with 20 other people trying do the same, and you don't mind waiting on line for 25 minutes only to be told [rather, berated] by the cashier when you get to the front that her register is closed, by all means, shop here.

Otherwise, don't waste your time and money.  Your sanity will thank you.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Leigh N.

Elite '09

5

60

Leigh N.

Atlanta, GA

4 star rating
7/20/2009

Ok so you definitely need to hit this place up on a weekday, during the day, while most people are at work (although it will still be busy, as there will be other tourists doing the same thing, as well as locals on lunch break). Needless to say, this place is a madhouse.

The goods: Great prices and pretty good selection (entire floor of dresses).

The bads: Crowded, unorganized, & staff attitude

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Michael m.

Elite '09

29

328

Michael m.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
7/19/2009

Century 21 is my go-to for relatively cheap clothing needs.

I wish I could give them a 3.5 because the Century 21 Shoe Store has slipped a bit in their variety of styles. Instead of having nice, ordinary looking shoes, they've bulked up on a lot of euro-pointy boat-sized shoes that just don't fit with my style.

They get 4 stars because that's really their only problem. I can buy nice belts for a whole lot cheaper than I'll find elsewhere, and there are enough registers, I'm never in there longer than necessary. For folks who like to get in and get out without much fuss, Century 21 is key!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of AJ R.

 

4

12

AJ R.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/4/2009

Here comes 3 old queens from Sydney, enter into Century 21 with a plan, 3 bottles of water, and credit cards.

We ended up buying another luggage coz we couldn't fit so much s**t we bought at Century 21.

I got 17 items; amongst those are 3 pairs of shoes, underwears, and tank tops to last me a life time.

I spent $369.49; an amount that is unheard of in Sydney, Australia for 17 items!

Enough said!

YAY!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Jaime F.

Elite '09

121

91

Jaime F.

Kansas City, MO

4 star rating
5/21/2009

**Shopping bags they weigh down her arms
Popping tags and collars her charm
All them things she got, she got from you
All them things she got, she got from you
Manolo & Prada's her style
Louis, Burberry by the pile
All them things she got she got from you
All them things she got she got from you**

All them things I got, I got them from YOU Century 21.

This is one of the few stores where designer names do weigh down my arms.  The daunting crowds are part of the experience---just how bad do you want that bargain?  Yes---this store is on tourist destination maps, there is no surprise that the masses flock to rifle through disorganized bins. Don't even think about hitting  the women's shoes during rush hour---the subway rattling the walls is enough to make your stomach turn.

But oh Century 21, how I love the price tags, and you restoring my ability to dress fashionably without eating ramen every night...so worth the battle.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Yi J.

 

8

46

Yi J.

New York, NY

3 star rating
7/26/2009

Century 21 is probably the biggest designer discount store in Manhattan.  However, the store is extremely crowded, with tons of tourists and clothes piled up together that you'd lose patience very quickly.  I tried digging through their piles of clothing, but found it exhausting, and that things are so not well organized that you'd consider yourself lucky to find your dream piece.

With that said, Century 21 is good for accessories and cosmetics.  They're better organized and much easier to find.  I've once bought a gorgeous pair of Gucci sunglasses on a special sale here for under $70!!  Also got great deals on perfumes, house wares, etc.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Albert W.

Elite '09

19

138

Albert W.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
6/26/2009

This is probably a store I can spend hours and hours in because of the great deals.  I typically update my wardrobe every 2 years and I don't really have the desire to wait for/ look for a sale so this is the perfect place.

Convenient location too.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Janeen B.

 

145

156

Janeen B.

New York, NY

4 star rating
4/13/2009

You're a wimp.........a yellow-bellied weasel is what ya is!

If you can't handle this store, you might as well pack your suitcase, tuck your genitalia inside yourself, jump on the next thing flying and move to Kansas and start an Alpaca farm.....cause compared to what I've experienced as a native NYC shopper this ain't shit-zhu. Discounted items that include clothing, shoes and designer fragrances as well as household items are just the beginning of what can be found here. I personally would stay away from the shoe section....a disaster of a selection and just plain ugly, stay clear. I got my eye on this ridiculously sexy Ralph Lauren leather jacket, so if you see it, either;
(A) Buy it for me or
(B) back away from it bitch, cause it's M.I.N.E!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of E S.

 

0

15

E S.

New York, NY

3 star rating
9/23/2009

Ahhh, Century 21. If you have the patience to shop it the right way, you can be rewarded, if not, head elsewhere.

The most important thing to know: Yes, some deals are genuinely great, HOWEVER...some others have the original prices artificially inflated, so you think you're saving more than you are. Today, for instance, I saw a dress with a tag that said EU 222,00. Perhaps the person retagging it didn't realize that was the price, since it had a comma. The price tag said that it had originally been $745. Well, according to my handy dandy phone converter, 222 euros is 327 US dollars, not 745. Sure, maybe there was an import markup, but I'm skeptical. The dress was marked down to $259. Yep, so you're saving $60, a little under 20%.

With that in mind...forget the original prices altogether. Your only criteria should be the final price tag and how much you love it. I'm not saying you can't find things that are good deals (I was pretty stoked when I found a pair of True Religion Joey jeans for $120 last fall), but make sure you aren't buying it *because* it's such a good deal.

The other most important thing about shopping Century 21: go in with a sense of humor and a lot of time. It's packed with tourists. The salespeople are rude. It's a mess. You'll see beautiful things that are broken and ripped. That said...if you make an afternoon of it and don't mind digging through rack after rack and taking multiple trips to the fitting room, you may just come up with that special find. And if so, you'll even be happy to do it all again in a few years.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Juliana C.

Elite '09

50

128

Juliana C.

San Jose, CA

2 star rating
6/29/2009

Wow, I went here mid week and the place was PACKED. I felt like i had to wait in line to look at things. I'm sure this place is hit or miss and it was definitely a miss for me that day.

However, if you are looking for souvenirs, this place had a good selection at lower prices than I'd seen in the souvenir shops.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Roshanda P.

Elite '09

35

98

Roshanda P.

Ellenwood, GA

3 star rating
9/1/2009

Bargin town bargin town.... if you looking for some great name brand deal for the low this is the place. Good luck with the crowd.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Kymm P.

Elite '09

69

338

Kymm P.

Boston, MA

3 star rating
5/7/2009

Heaven and hell, all in one place.

Heaven:
Gorggg shoes (50% off Marciano, LAMB?!)
Great gift ideas (Juicy Couture wallets, Lacoste bags, etc.)
Good deals if you look hard enough

Hell:
Peoplepeoplepeoplepeople up the wazoo!

Was this review …?

 

1 to 40 of 373 |  
Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ...
Write a Review

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...

  • Photo of Century 21

    Century 21

    3.5 star rating
     35 reviews

    Neighborhood: Bay Ridge

    Category: Department Stores

  • Photo of Loehmann's

    Loehmann's

    4 star rating
     69 reviews

    Neighborhood: Chelsea

    Category: Department Stores

  • Photo of Century 21

    Century 21

    3 star rating
     1 review

    Neighborhood: Elmhurst

  • Photo of Syms

    Syms

    3.5 star rating
     16 reviews

    Neighborhood: Financial District

    Category: Department Stores

  • Photo of Filene's Basement

    Filene's Basement

    3.5 star rating
     77 reviews

    Neighborhood: Flatiron

    Category: Department Stores