Popularity of New York shops outlined in guide

People contend shopping should be a leisure activity, not a chore.
NEW YORK (AP) -- New York lives up to its reputation as one of the world's retail capitals in the new Zagat Survey's "2006 New York City Shopping Guide."
New Yorkers are shopping more, spending more and enjoying it more, according to Zagat, especially at department store Bloomingdale's, discounter Century 21, independent food shop Zabar's and chain store Bed, Bath & amp; Beyond. Those were rated the most popular shops by the 7,710 people surveyed.
In the fashion and beauty categories, the stores rated for top quality were Harry Winston, Van Cleef & amp; Arpels, John Lobb, Chopard and Hermes. Favorite rated newcomers were Earnest Cut/Sew, My Glass Slipper, Zachary's Smile, Billabong and Oakley.
For men and women
For designer fashion, Ermenegildo Zegna was tops for men, Balenciaga for women and Hermes for men and women. Rochester Big/Tall was ranked the best men's chain, Eileen Fisher the best women's and Talbots the best for both.
The favorite accessories store was Judith Leiber, Saks Fifth Avenue for bridal, Fisch for the Hip for vintage, Bergdorf Goodman -- and its beauty section -- for department stores, La Perla for lingerie and Barney's Co-op for jeans. The best women's shoe department was at Jeffrey and men's at John Lobb.
Web sites are an important part of shopping these days. Even before they go window-shopping, 54 percent of respondents said, they browse a store's Web site, and respondents also said they make 28 percent of their purchases online.
Seventy-three percent of people said shopping was a leisure activity not a chore, but crowds and poor service are the pet peeves.