It's one week until Thanksgiving and six and a half weeks till Christmas. It's that time of the year people shop for toys and other gifts. As you know Toys 'R Us is gone and many retail stores simply can't compete with Amazon and websites of that kind. Next week is Black Friday although we know sales have been going on for weeks.
Here's a NYC blast from the past as a client came to see me yesterday who starts work at the new FAO Schwartz in Manhattan which reopens tomorrow at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Years ago I had another client who was a professional shopper at FAO Schwartz for the rich and famous. What great stories she shared about the shopping habits of celebrities.
The current Midtown Manhattan store will be staffed with demonstrators, magicians and men and women playing costumed roles, including toy soldiers. The new location is as much about the experience as the shopping ... as people visit from near and far. Who's having more fun ... mom ... dad or the kids?
I remember taking my children - and my grandchildren to buy toys at FAO Schwartz then strolling along 5th Avenue enjoying the holiday energies and window displays.
Many areas, such as new England, are known for their beauty and holiday spirit over this holiday season but NYC can compete with the best of them. We need a little magic especially this year which so much going on.
With snow in the air and just starting in Brooklyn, holiday plans are taking shape and it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.
