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A variety of HBO-related merchandise is now available at The HBO Shop located in midtown Manhattan, including a variety of T-shirts featuring your favorite characters from Sex and the City, True Blood, and The Sopranos, as well as bottles of Tru Blood -- a blood orange carbonated drink inspired by Bill’s favorite synthetic blood-nourishment beverage -- and Merlotte’s coffee mugs and aprons, bottle openers, posters, and more. The HBO Shop also offers a wide range of Sex and the City merchandise, including “Shopping Is My Cardio” coffee mugs. There are also items from their hotly anticipated new series, Game of Thrones. You’ll also find full line of The Sopranos memorabilia, and a full line of DVD sets, t-shirts, and more from all their other hit shows, including Big Love and Entourage. 42nd St. & Sixth Ave., 212-512-SHOP; hboshop.com.
The Sony Style store is home to all things Sony, allowing you to experience Sony products first-hand, with the benefit of experienced and helpful sales associates. Sony Style features an array of Sony’s consumer electronics and entertainment, including Bravia HDTVs, VAIO personal computers, Cyber-shot Digital Still cameras, portable entertainment, and much more. Last winter they converted their downstairs level into the PlayStation Lounge, the only place where you’re guaranteed to get your hands on the new PlayStation Move motion controller, in addition to PS3s, PSPs and the latest PlayStation first- and third-party games. And check out their magnificent Philip Johnson-designed corporate headquarters: It’s one of the city’s foremost post-modern buildings, famous for its “Chippendale” keyhole top. Sony Plaza, 550 Madison Ave. btw. 55th & 56th Sts., 212-833-8800; sonystyle.com.
Conveniently located on Manhattan’s East Side, Just Bulbs is a family business that first opened its doors in 1942. According to third-generation owner David Brooks, “we carry over 30,000 different bulbs -- that’s right…over 30,000! And if our store doesn’t have a particular bulb on hand, we can get it quickly.” Just bulbs has bulbs that can be used in different countries, and they ship all over the world. Best of all, the store carries a huge variety of unique, distinctive bulbs. Bulbs shaped like fruits and vegetables, different animals (including pigs and zebras), baseballs...even Betty Boop and Sesame Street characters. There are also party lights to make your entertaining extra special: including palm trees, boats, margarita cocktails, flag lights, mini-lanterns… and much more. Open 7 days (Mon.-Sat., 10am-7pm; Sun., noon-6pm). 220 E. 60th St., 212-888-5707; justbulbsnyc.com.
Select from the latest, most advanced shoes and performance clothing at Super Runners Shop’s fine running shoe and apparel stores. Their inventory includes products from Nike, New Balance, Asics, Saucony, and many others. Owner Gary Muhrcke was the winner of the first NYC Marathon in 1970 and leads an expert staff of accomplished runners. Third Ave. at 72nd St., 212-249-2133; Lexington Ave. at 89th St., 212-369-6010; Amsterdam Ave. at 77th St., 212-787-7665; Grand Central Terminal, 646-487-1120; visit superrunnersshop.com for other locations.
And last but not least: Could you use a little relaxation after a long day shopping? Or would you like a stylish new hairstyle when you arrive home? Head to Salon Ziba, located on the west side of Manhattan. Named for the Farsi word for “beautiful,” the chic, bi-level salon is home to a talented, international team of stylists specializing in all hair types and offering style and beauty services at affordable prices. They’ve attracted a loyal and diverse clientele, including celebrities like model Adriana Lima, spiritual guru Deepak Chopra, and editor Pamela Fiori. Their master technicians provide up-to-date color and cuts while estheticians deliver healing facials, depilatory, nail services, and relaxing massages. Through the end of April, bring this article in to receive a complimentary Kerastase Mask In-Salon Treatment on the day of your next color service. 200 W. 57th St., 212-767-0577; salonziba.com.
