Tis the Season…to shop that is! I know this is the time of year when we are supposed to think of others, but I have to say, don’t forget about you! For those of you who love Manhattan during the holiday season, the city is looking good. It’s ready for visitors and so are the stores! The majority of the stores, from Gucci to H&M have started their sales and early!

My mom and I have made it a holiday season tradition to check out the sales and see what bargains we can find. This year is no different, and it’s no secret I like expensive items, but at least now they are half their original price! Due to the way the stores plan their season cycles, versus the way our climate is changing, also makes it a perfect time to shop. It has always amazed me when looking at the beautiful windows of Bergdorf , Saks and Bendel’s throughout the year, that in the blistering heat of August they will be showing furs to ‘keep up with the fashion trends.’ All it means to me is that by the time November/December hits, this merchandise will be 50% off, if not more, and that will be the time I actually need it!

We received our first snow in Manhattan this past weekend and people have finally realized they need to dress for the weather. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on which side of the consumer line you stand on, the stores are doing whatever they can, in terms of promotions, to get customers into them to buy.

Additionally, NY is looking better than ever, but I still haven’t seen the massive crowds around that I usually anticipate this time of year. Perhaps it’s because the kids are still in school before winter break hits, but walking around 5th Avenue is very much doable without bumping into everyone and their strollers and shopping bags.

And not to fret for those of you who have to accompany your friends with the shopping bug, the city is looking beautiful and the holiday decorations are not to be missed. The windows that I mentioned earlier are works of art waiting to be seen as well as the gorgeous tree at Rockefeller Center and all the larger-than-life decorations in front of the buildings up and down 5th and 6th Avenues. So far my favorite is Cartier on 6th Avenue. The store is under construction, but they have wrapped all the scaffolding in faux greens and it feels like you are walking under a glittery Christmas village. Or maybe it’s just the glitter in the windows that really catches my eye. Either way, happy shopping!

-Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher