As if New York shopping could get any better…the prayers of thousands of stylish young women from around the globe have been answered: TopShop has finally opened in NYC. Four floors and 40,000 square feet of style heaven.

TopShop NYC Debut - 4/2/09

For those of you who have not yet had the glorious shopping experience that is TopShop, I can tell you first hand, it’s one of those top ten things you should do fashion-wise when you travel to Europe.  Started in 1964, the popular British chain began its rise to fashion authority status in 1994 with the opening of its flagship shop at Oxford Circus.  With over 2,400 locations worldwide – 300 of which in England – TopShop’s ability to deliver cutting edge fashions as quickly as aficianodos devour them has continued to distinguish the brand from its competitors.  It’s no wonder why legions of TopShop enthusiasts spent hours in que in anticipation for the NY debut.

On a personal note, my first TopShop experience was in London at the high street store and for lack of a better description – it was love at first sight.  From shoes to sunglasses, from bold colors to hip styles, TopShop offers an array of pieces for any fashionista. Hell, if it weren’t for restrictive means (i.e. the recession) I might have hopped on the bus just to be apart of the festivities (and for a pair of booties.)

Speaking of that, it will be very interesting to see how, as things die down, Americans will respond to prices.  Virtually every retailer on the block – Forever 21, Zara, H&M, etc. – are throwing discounts and sale prices at consumers.  As far as I know, TopShop will not do that.  Despite the initial euphoria, I wonder if TopShop too will have to succomb to the pressure of tigher consumer pockets.  It doesn’t seem like owner, Sir Philip Green is that worried though:

“I’m not in the doom camp,” said Green in an interview with TIME during New York Fashion Week in February. “We’re a $5 billion company, and this is a long-term game. No point in coming here for a walk in the park. We have the right product for this time.”

Not so low prices and all, it’s still worth the trip. Walk, run or bus it..however you can get there – visit the TopShop in NY. It will be a shopping experience to remember.

TopShop at Oxford Circus

Kate Moss at the NYC opening in a dress designed for her TopShop line. We like?

The Shoe Lounge in the NYC store. Sexy.