"Good for discount and bulk shopping"
Once upon a time, East 23th Street was a bastion of the burgeoning New York City fashion industry. Major department stores dominated the horizon along Sixth avenue from Union Square northwards, cutting a mile-long swath of New York City old-world elegance. Today, however, high-end has been replaced by big-discount, as a number of clearance centres, superstores, and slightly shady back-room dealers make up this decidedly charming district. Major retailers have made their home here, along them TJ Maxx, Bed Bed Beyond, and Filene's Basement, as well as Old Navy. For the most part, though, this district is little more than a commercial wasteland of depressing bargain buckets and basement sales, punctuated by a few shady DVD stores that sell more than the latest Twilight DVDs and fast-food shops. While it's worth heading to this neighborhood to do some bottom-dollar shopping, this isn't exactly the most scenic tourist trail, nor is it a livable destination. Worth a brief visit, but avoid for longer periods.