Smarten your wardrobe with the latest trends (at a fraction of the price) at Century 21 Department Store (22 Cortlandt St. btw. Church St. & Broadway, 212-227-9092). They have over 15 departments of quality designer merchandise at 40-70% off retail, including European and American designer fashions for men, women and kids. They also have a great selection of linens and house wares.

Eastside Luggage Shop (237 45th St. btw. Lexington & Park Aves., 212-697-5820) is currently offering up to 50% off on all Samsonite collections. They carry all major brands of luggage, duffel bags, totes, men’s belts, men’s & women’s wallets, handbags, travel accessories, TSA-approved locks, and all types of gift items.

The ultimate magical toy store, Fantasma (421 Seventh Ave., enter on 33rd St. opposite Madison Square Garden, 2nd flr., 212-244-3633) offers all manner of magic paraphernalia, from optical illusions to magic tricks to juggling. The store has a glow-in-the-dark section, electronic optical illusions, even automata (animated musical dolls), with prices ranging from $3 to $100,000. Currently, Fantasma is running a Harry Houdini exhibition, with a display of the master magician’s most cherished possessions and never-before-displayed personal effects, including his metamorphosis trunk, hand cuffs, strait jacket, séance apparatus, and secret gimmicks. An animated Houdini even performs a live straitjacket escape.

The leather jacket store in New York, Genesis (718 Lexington Ave. btw. 57th & 58th Sts., 212-980-1514) offers over 20,000 jackets, pants, and vests with brand names that include Schott, Avirex, Vanson, Jeff Hamilton, Louisville Slugger, and more for men, women, and children at excellent prices. They also have a large selection of Replay jeans, belts, and accessories. Located inside the shop, Genesis Watches/Sunglasses carries a tremendous selection of top-name watches and sunglasses at some of the best prices in town with names such as Fossil, Kenneth Cole, Bulova, TechnoMarine, Gucci, Polo, Christian Dior, and Diesel.

To whet the appetites of midtown shoppers, J&R Music and Computer World has opened a showcase location within Macy’s, J&R Express at Macy’s Herald Square (151 W. 34th St. at Sixth Ave.). Offering highlights of J&R’s vast selection of digital cameras, computers, PDAs and other electronics, this mini-store is located on Macy’s lower level. Of course, J&R’s primary location at Park Row (across from City Hall, 212-238-9000) offers a much deeper selection of cutting-edge technology in computers, cameras, CDs/DVDs, video games, TVs, and home appliances.

Manhattan Art and Antiques Center (1050 Second Ave. btw. 55th & 56th Sts., 212-355-4400) is one of America’s largest and finest antique centers, featuring works of high quality, variety, and value. With over 100 galleries on the premises, they offer everything from period furniture, silver, clocks, and watches, to rugs and tapestries, and authentic bronze and marble sculpture. Flying Cranes Antiques Ltd. (gallery 58) mounts the exhibition, Antiques of Meiji Period Japan: Inspiration for the New Face of Design, from 9/18 through 10/31.

Looking for a unique jewelry idea for any occasion? Located in the hip shopping neighborhood of SoHo (short for "South of Houston Street"), So Good Jewelry (496 Broadway btw. Spring & Broome Sts., 212-625-9552) is home to 5,000 square feet of spectacular costume jewelry, with low prices and high styles from all over the world. Pieces come from such diverse areas as Italy, Mexico, Korea, China, Thailand, India, and the Czech Republic.

For fashionable footwear with strong orthopedic support, make your way to Yorke Fashion Comfort Centre (140 E. 55th St. btw. Lexington & Third Aves., 212-753-5151). Handcrafted and made from fine leather in Italy, France, and Germany, these shoes will work wonders for your feet, while sustaining style. (Yorke specializes in custom-made orthotics for dress, work, and leisure activities, in order to alleviate the aches and pains caused by improper support.) The staff includes a podiatrist and three certified pedorthists to ensure that you get comfortable footwear. Women’s shoes are available in sizes 3-13, and men’s in sizes 7-15, from narrow to extra-wide.

The pre-season sale is the perfect time to take advantage of the fantastic discounts at Zamir Furs (90 W. Houston St. btw. West Broadway & LaGuardia Pl., 212-677-2332), a shop with unique stylings from all over the world. Their specialists and designers are experts at helping shoppers pick out something that suits their pocketbooks, lifestyle needs, and body type. They also have a selection of hats, headbands, cuffs, earmuffs, blankets, and pillows.