Authenticity at Century 21 NYC
Every designer and name-brand item at Century 21 is authentic. Designer and name-brand merchandise is bought from brands and authorized distributors, not from resellers. That applies on every floor, including designer handbags, shoes, sunglasses, and fragrance, at 22 Cortlandt Street across from the World Trade Center. Vintage pieces are sold as vintage.
Is everything at Century 21 real?
Yes. Century 21 has sold authentic designer and name-brand goods in Lower Manhattan since 1961. The store sells the real labels, not a house brand. Designer and name-brand merchandise is bought from brands and authorized distributors rather than resellers. Vintage pieces are sold as vintage.
If it is authentic, why is it so much cheaper?
Because of how off-price works. Century 21 buys directly from brands and authorized distributors in deliberately low quantities and passes the saving to you. Day to day, prices run up to 65% below retail, strong designer buys land at up to 80% off, and clearance events go up to 90% off. Every ticket shows the comparable retail value next to the Century 21 price.
Why are there only a few sizes of each piece?
The same low quantities that keep prices down mean the store carries a few sizes of a piece rather than a full run. Sell-through is fast and the same item is rarely there twice. If it fits and you love it, buy it that day.
Where do I find designer handbags, shoes, and fragrance?
- Floor 1: handbags, sunglasses, accessories, beauty, and fragrance.
- Lower Level: men's and women's shoes, including designer sneakers from $49.
- Floors 2 and 3: women's and men's designer collections.
More than 1,600 brands are listed on the brand directory. The floor changes daily, so not every brand is in store on every visit.
Frequently asked questions
Are Century 21 designer bags real?
Yes. Every handbag at Century 21 NYC is authentic, bought from brands and authorized distributors, not resellers. Handbags are on Floor 1 at 22 Cortlandt Street. The selection changes daily, so the brands on the floor vary by visit.
Is the perfume at Century 21 real?
Yes. Fragrance and beauty at Century 21 NYC are authentic and bought from brands and authorized distributors. You will find them on Floor 1. Opened fragrance and beauty cannot be returned, so test before you buy.
Are the sunglasses at Century 21 authentic?
Yes. Sunglasses are authentic, bought from brands and authorized distributors, and sit with accessories on Floor 1.
Does Century 21 sell replicas or knockoffs?
No. Century 21 sells authentic designer and name-brand goods only, bought from brands and authorized distributors.
Can I return something I bought at Century 21?
Yes. Returns and exchanges are accepted in store within 30 days of purchase with your original receipt and a government-issued ID. Items must be unworn with tickets attached. Some items are excluded, including final sale, gift cards, and opened fragrance and beauty. See the return policy.
Can I buy authentic designer pieces from Century 21 online?
No. Century 21 sells in store only, at 22 Cortlandt Street, New York, NY 10007. Any site claiming to sell Century 21 merchandise online is not Century 21.
Plan your visit
22 Cortlandt Street, New York, NY 10007
Monday through Saturday 9 AM to 9 PM, Sunday 11 AM to 8 PM
Last updated: November 3, 2026