“How I found the best swag shop in Albany? I went to a concert at the MVP arena and was told my bag was too big to enter with. Damn! I told my sister to hold out there at the gate and I went looking for a place to get a smaller bag. Right up the street I found Fresh&Fly. Angelo was behind the counter and hooked me up quick with the perfect bag. Then he offers to keep my bigger bag for me overnight so I didn't have to throw it away. Never met a sales person this cool! I didn't have time to look around as I had to go back to the MVP. Bag worked like a charm.Next day I go back to the shop and Angelo is there holding my bag out for me. We chatted about the concert and then I got a chance to actually look around the store. Best stuff I've seen. I mean quality, color, design (Some of which is Angelo's original ). The place isn't big but the selection is great with unique items and nice layout. I bought a hoodie with Angelo's own design and the quality is outstanding. This place is sweet!”
“Love this store, one of the only indigenous stores in the mall. The staff is always so helpful, and it’s my go to place to get Peruvian jewelry and decorations. They’re very affordable and have beautiful things.”
“Absolutely LOVE this location. Staff is so pleasant. I leave smiling every time I go. It is clean and the product placement looks great. The cash wrap area is never a mess either. It’s really an awesome shopping experience. I greatly appreciate my interaction with the store manager last week. He may not have known but I was really struggling. Thank you.”
“I absolutely love coming to this specific hot topic mostly because Ginni is the most helpful and special employee I've ever come across at a Hot Topic! I always hope to see them when I come in! Ginni always makes me feel special and helps me pick out things at the store that will look good on me. I love Ginnis vibe, style, and overall attitude and it just makes my experience in the store that much better. Thank you so much for making my shopping here the best I could imagine!!!!<3”
11AM - 7PM
26 Cortland Dr, Albany
Womens Clothing
“This is a hidden gem in Albany, NY! My husband and I were in need of tailoring services on a tight turnaround and this business owner exceeded our expectations. Her services were affordable, $65 for the two items combined, yet her experience is evident. We felt welcomed and at ease leaving her shop. She even offered a tutorial after hearing I had difficulty removing the salwar top. Thanks so much for helping us look the part for our cousin’s wedding.”
“Favorite clothing store for classic clothes at great prices. This is a clearance store, so inventory is not necessarily what you see in the catalogs. Great value.”
“My family and I own a dry cleaner, we have been pressing shirts for over 4 decades and without a doubt llbean button downs are the HIGHEST quality shirt money can buy. We’ve seen it all, dry rotted, rips, missing buttons and not yet one bad llbean shirt. Don’t waste your money anywhere else just grab an llbean and you will not regret it! Great customer service and Lise is amazing! Very helpful!”
“We have a plus size teenage daughter who is still trying to find her style and is starting high school in a few weeks. As such, shopping has always brought anxiety and stress and back to school shopping was dreaded in our household. Yesterday we wondered into Buckle in Crossgates Mall and had the best experience thanks to the wonderful individuals who assisted us. Upon walking in we were greeted by Tony. We explained that we were letting our daughters look around so as to not cause extra anxiety. She understood the assignment and was so gracious with us. She introduced us to Kendrick (a literal God sent). Both Tony and Kendrick guided our daughter through the store, suggested items that we would’ve never suggested, and took time to look around the store for items she might try. When she didn’t fit into the regular sizes, Kendrick instilled faith in us (literally pulled me aside and told us he got us and that he would not destroy her confidence) that we would find pieces for her to try. Tony and Kendrick suggested the Gabby jeans and 93s which fit her so well, she NEVER wears denim but LOVED the fit. We left in tears with multiple items that our daughter loved. Most importantly, they built her confidence, and made her feel accepted and included in this space. We are incredibly grateful for their patience and commitment to assisting their customers. We highly recommend Kendrick as a lead and truly believe he needs a raise ?”
“I went to the Carhartt store in Crossgates Mall, Albany to buy some pants. I found a pair in my size and needed another. Jackie offered to help me, There was not another pair in my size in stock so she showed me a different style that I liked better. While she was ringing up my purchases I changed my mind about the color of one pair so she created a refund and charged it again. Jackie was so cheerful and helpful. She answered all my questions. She's a great asset to your store. Thanks, Jackie!”
“Women can understand the troubles in finding bras that fit. Yesterday, Bree (Brie) was experienced, helpful and absolutely comforting while trying to find the best bra. It was a success with her help! Thank you! I will be back ?✔️”
“I work at the tattoo shop in the mall and really wanted the Knu Skool Vans. Decided to just walk into the store and had an awesome experience. Alex and Skyler were so nice and super helpful. I’ve never been to a shoe store that offered to lace up the shoes for me. The conversation was great and the vibes were high. Will definitely be going back 10/10 experience”
“Great store very clean and teen friendly! This was my second visit with my teenage daughter. They have soo many cute and stylish things? we will definitely be back!! Love the self checkout very fast and convenient and employers are very helpful!”
“Had the BEST experience. The saleswoman helped me find my size, went and got me more clothing in that size to try while I stayed in my fitting room, and was overall kind and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this store for all styles of clothing!”
“When I travel to Albany for work, I always have to stop here! I don't have a Torrid near my hometown(nearest one is over a hour away) so when I travel for work to Albany, I always stop here. The people here are always so nice to me when I shop! I enjoy coming here and shopping. :)”
“Probably the best outlet store on the planet. Indistinguishable from regular J Crew (outside of the prices), I'm always able to find my upcoming seasonal wardrobe here.”
“The staff was incredibly kind and helpful! Abby helped me the most and was very helpful in finding the right shoe especially with giving me suggestions for what shoes would be best suited for what I needed!”
“I am impressed by the collection in old navy cross gates mall especially low waisted baggy jeans for women. The associates were so helpful and kind, the line was so long when I went in but they were quick and efficient. I will be going back soon for my grand daughter :)”
9:30AM - 9:30PM
161 Washington Ave Ext, Albany
Womens Clothing
“I frequently shop at TJ Maxx on Washington Ave Extension, often stopping by once or twice a week after work. I’ve always loved this chain for its incredible bargains, but this particular store stands out to me for more than just the deals—it’s always clean, organized, and a pleasure to visit. This is undoubtedly thanks to the dedicated staff who work here.
Among them, one person truly shines: Hadiya. She is a gem of an employee, always welcoming, smiling, and efficient whenever assistance or information is needed. Hadiya has helped me on several occasions, and each time, her kindness and warmth make the experience exceptional.
What sets Hadiya apart is her attention to detail and the genuine care she shows toward customers. She remembers my name every time I visit, which is such a thoughtful touch and a level of recognition that makes me feel truly valued. It’s rare to find this kind of personalized service, and it has pleasantly surprised me time and again.
When Hadiya is there to assist me, shopping at TJ Maxx feels like an upscale experience—almost like being at Bergdorf Goodman or Bloomingdale’s! Her professionalism, coupled with her friendly demeanor, makes all the difference.
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude and highlight how much I appreciate Hadiya’s dedication and charm. She truly elevates the shopping experience, and I feel fortunate to be served by someone who makes every customer feel special.
Thank you, Hadiya, for being a wonderful representative of TJ Maxx!”
“This store lemme tell you is all that and a bag of chips! I bought so many goodies for the holidays here. The young lady was alone on reg that day and she was so helpful organized and patient with my buncha goodies. I cant wait to come back and am tempted to see if I can schedule an appointment. ?”
“Macy’s remains as one of the few upscale department stores in the area. Although this Macys has always taken a backseat to its larger cousin at Colonie Center this one holds its own. The departments are large and well stocked and unlike another department stores at Crossgates Macy’s does not always look like they are continually having a going out of business sale! Great to browse and when they have clearance items in the housewares section they are generally great bargains.”
10AM - 8PM
1475 Western Ave, Albany
Womens Clothing
“The nicest customer service I have ever received. They went above and beyond to help me. I am 100% making this my go to store for clothes just for the amazin experience I had with the entire staff ❤”
“Nice selection of items. Decent prices and great clearance section. Staff was helpful, friendly and patient. Store was clean and things were spaced out as they could to practice social distance. Will return in near future.”
“The ladies who run this Gap are the most helpful, knowledgeable people I've ever met. They patiently advise you until you look and feel amazing!! They are truly educated stylists who want you to look good and feel happy! I am so thankful to Ashley and Sarah!!!”
“I love the quality. Have had leggings for almost 10 years from here that still look and feel new!! ( I hear they just discontinued this style but the new style isn't too different)”
“I love this store. It is not somewhere I would go for everyday shopping, but when I need something special, I know they will have what I need. Just recently I had an occasion to attend and needed the “right” blouse for a special skirt. I walked in with work out clothes and a ball cap, and someone was immediately there to say hi, with no pressure…just to let me know she was there. I did need help! I showed Alex the a picture of the skirt I need a blouse with. She told me she knew they had a few things that looked great with the cute skirt I had. With in 10 minutes, she found the perfect blouse for me, I had paid and was on my way back home. Outstanding customer service in this store as well as amazing clothing. Thank you again Alex!!!”
“I might be biased because I work there now. But I've been a customer for several years; and I changed careers because I love not only the product but the mission, the demographic and the empowerment of being a woman feeling good in fitness clothing and achieving goals. This location is a tough one to pull in crowds but it does. Why? Excellent service, products and reputation!”
“I'd like to give a massive shoutout to the best employees ever, one of them named Brock! He went the extra mile and shipped me a particular pair of pants that was only available at his store to my state, a few hours away! I called many Macy's stores to retrieve these pants, and Brock and the other newly-hired employee were the ones who helped me out the most. Thanks a lot, Brock!”
“Erica is amazing. I went in for an updated wardrobe because I am now 30 and it was time lol. Erica approached me asking if she could take the items I picked out to a dressing room so I could keep shopping, and then she asked me what I was shopping for today. I continued shopping and when I went to the dressing room, she told me that she also picked out some things I could try if I wanted and she had it hanging in the dressing room organized into multiple outfits. It was so sweet and I really loved a lot of the pieces she picked out that I wouldn’t have picked for myself on my own. She was there when I needed to try different sizes and brought it to my dressing room. She went above and beyond to make the experience not only pleasant, but fun!! Thank you Erica!!”
10AM - 5:30PM
1475 Western Ave, Albany
Womens Clothing
“Lola my absolute favorite store to visit not only the most unique and classic earrings which for me is difficult to find anything for my sensitive ears. I wanted a unique disc pair of earrings Megan went above and beyond she took my information and said she’d absolutely look for them for me. At times not at Lola I’ve requested an item they’ve taken my information and I’d hear nothing. Not at Lola Megan and her incredible staff followed through got the earrings and contacted me. This is just one example of the incredible customer service and pride she takes in her business. It doesn’t matter if it’s a $25 dollar piece or a $3000 dollar one. Megan and her staff are welcoming , professional and deserve only the BEST in everything they do. I know great things are coming your way in the New year… Please this holiday season choose Lola XO Megan Thank you for all that you do and we’re very lucky to have such a wonderful person and business in the community. April S”
“I absolutely love this place! It is THE place to go! They carry every size imaginable and are so nice and professional while also being personable! They accept everyone and are super non judgemental!”