Release #543-98

Contact: Colleen Roche/Brenda Perez (212) 788-2958

The Times Square Visitor Center located in the former Embassy Theatre at 1560 Broadway, between 46th and 47th Streets, offers an array of services for tourists and New Yorkers shopping in the area. Along with a host of convenient services for visitors, a small number of unique shops are located at the Center. Among these is CityStore, the official shop for City merchandise -- which includes items like FDNY sweatshirts, City seal golf balls and ties.

"No holiday shopping in New York City should be complete without paying a visit to the Times Square Visitor Center," the Mayor said. "Not only will you find great gift items, but you will also have access to a wealth of services and information about how to get around the City during this busy shopping season."

"I am delighted to be here today, because the tremendous activity in New York City is one of the indicators of our resurgence as one of the nation's and the world's favorite destinations," the Mayor added. "New York's streets are clean and safe, our economy is surging, and our famous, diverse cultural life is as vibrant as it's ever been. Our new slogan is, "New York City: Come Visit the World". That is exactly why visitors come to the City. They come to see people from all over the world living together in one place, contributing their creativity and energy to the most vibrant and exciting urban center anywhere."

Commissioner Diamond said, "The CityStore booth is a new and exciting venture for the City's Department of Citywide Administrative Services and helps us to expand the good will of the City."

The Center, which opened in September, operates from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. seven days a week, offering public restrooms, ATMs, a Self Change currency exchange machine and transit information. Participants in the Visitor Center are: Fleet Bank; international magazine and newspaper seller Hotalings News Agency; ticket agent Live Broadway; Metropolitan Transit Authority for MetroCards; and GreyLine/Circle Line. Panasonic also offers a video exhibit on Times Square, the legendary Crossroads of the World and the annual New Year's celebration. Yahoo offers a bank of 6 computers with Internet access in the Center's lobby, making it possible for visitors to check their e-mail and send electronic postcards.

The Mayor reminded New Yorkers of the following holiday shopping tips:

• Get a receipt. Under New York City Consumer Protection Law, you are automatically entitled to a receipt for purchases over $20. Upon request, you can also get a receipt for purchases between $5 and $20. Receipts must *include the total amount paid, date, business name and address, and the make and model of the item you bought.

• Save All Holiday Gift Receipts. It is the only way to guarantee an exchange or return can be made for the full price.

• Test what You Buy. Do not buy items in sealed packages, especially electronic goods, without first examining the contents to make sure they work.

• Know the Store's Refund Or Exchange Policy Before You Buy. Merchants can establish their own policies, so long as it is prominently displayed. Otherwise, the consumer has 30 days to get a refund in the manner in which the purchase was paid.