My recent trip to NYC was definitely an eye opener on just how sever the global economic crisis has affected New York City.  My trip to NYC was primarily a business trip because I had to open a US Bank Account in order to receive payments from my new Freelance Employers .  I absolutely didn’t mind having to book a last minute trip to New York right before the holidays because I always have time in my life for New York City.

I have never been to New York City before Christmas.  I have been to the city for New Years Eve, but never during the madness that leads up to the holidays.  The city was packed with people and the streets were very busy all the way from Canal to Broadway.  There were line ups everywhere and every single store was packed with holiday shoppers who were trying to get the best deals for everyone on their Christmas List.  And let me tell you, boy did we get some great deals.

Although retailers on the non mainstream streets like Canal in Chinatown have significantly increased their prices for accessories, the major retailers have dropped their prices in order to be affordable for everyone.  I bought $48 sweaters at American Eagle and Aeropostal for only $12!  I am not sure if the major discounts were because of the holiday season or if they are because a discounted $12 is better than $0 for retail stores who are struggling through these tough economic times.

It wasn’t the massive crowds that were the biggest surprise for me during this trip to New York; it was definitely how much the vibe of NYC has changed over the past 3 years. New York will always have a special place in my heart and I still hope to live their some day.  However, the crisis that the American people have suffered through over the past few years has definitely taken its toll on the vibrant life of the city that never sleeps.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn near Wall Street in the Financial District of Downtown Manhattan, which we purchased at a discount rate through Priceline.  This was the perfect location for our stay because it was close to the subway, it was close to restaurants, and it was also close to the major discount store Century 21.  I absolutely love shopping for accessories at Century 21.

Staying in Manhattans Financial District also means that we were close the construction site of the new World Trade Center. There are 3 new towers being built on the World Trade Center construction site, and there is also a new memorial museum which is currently open for business.  The rebuilding of the World Trade Center in New York City shows exactly how the American people can come together and stand strong during the time of a crisis.  Let’s hope that the American people will come together next November when they visit the polls to re-elect the President of the United States of America.

Check Out Some Pics From My Recent Trip to NYC:

Macy’s was absolutely gorgeous

Great Shopping Deals!

More to Come on My Experience with TD Bank