NYC welcomes an exciting new retail landscape.

We are in the midst of another autumnal awakening and Manhattan is welcoming an exciting lineup of new stores in each and every neighborhood throughout our great City.

This is the perfect time for a tour of the most fabulous shopping areas --or "Hot Blocks"--in New York. From Fifth to Madison, Soho to the West Village, Flatiron to Chelsea and Nolita to Downtown, shoppers are in for a real treat this fall!

Madison Avenue is as magnificent as ever. Ralph Lauren Eyewear will expand the kingdom with its first freestanding optical boutique at 811 Madison Avenue. Claudia Ciuti, purveyor of fine Italian footwear, opened its first store at 955 Madison Avenue and Porsche Design flagship is making its way into the GM Building, at 59th and Madison. Kuhlman Company's European menswear is adding two locations, one on the Golden Mile, at 444 Madison Avenue, and another at 96 Grand Street in Soho. Europeans continue to flock to New York, with Victor Hugo, Brazilian accessories, debuting his first U.S. boutique at 520 Madison Avenue. Landau, known for its fine costume jewelry, is replacing Ruco Line at 794 Madison Avenue and Madura Paris, contemporary home decor, is expanding here, heading from Boston to Carnegie Hill with its new Madison Avenue location, at 86th Street.

The shopping scene on Fifth Avenue is just as fabulous, thanks to some enticing new additions. Footwear retailer Journeys and milliner Lids will open adjacent storefronts at 590 Fifth Avenue, near Rockefeller Center.

Sizzling Soho is certainly seeing its share of new retailers as well. Ben Sherman, an upscale British lifestyle brand, plans to make his way to the neighborhood with a 5,000 s/f location in "the heart of Soho"--exact address to be determined--next March. Ted Baker London opened a women's wear store at 107 Grand Street and Helen Wang, home furnishings, jewelry, women's and men's evening wear has made 69 Mercer Street her new home. Montreal based Parasuco Jeans, renowned for fashion forward style, will open a new flagship on the corner of Spring and Lafayette. It's fun and games for Poker Room at its newly opened boutique, retailing all things games, at 108 Wooster Street. Cappellini, the Italian powerhouse furniture design company, enters the U.S. with its first American store at 152 Wooster Street. NYC Velo pleases avid cyclists by taking biking to the next level with its shop, which recently opened its doors for business, at 64 Second Avenue at 4th Street. For those in the family way, San Francisco-based "new parent emporium" Giggle will delight this fall at 120 Wooster Street. Another autumn arrival is Spanish accessories retailer Tous, which debuts at 109 Greene Street. Swede import Dunderdon, known for its functional, yet fashionable denim designs, opens a U.S. flagship in the heart of the "Denim Corridor" at 270 Lafayette. Min-K will offer its feminine vintage-inspired frocks at 219 Mott Street. Oakley also opened a new flagship at 113 Prince Street, with signature eyewear, apparel and footwear. Satellite, a Parisian jewelry designer, will bring breathtaking jewels to 412 West Broadway. Celo, women's apparel from Milan, is joining Laundry and Patagonia one door away from Chanel at 100 Wooster Street. Taschen, the world's leading illustrated book publisher, will make Soho smarter with its first New York store at 107 Greene St. Equinox Fitness Clubs will open a three-level "mega gym" at 568 Broadway. For those who enjoy the good life, The Classic Car Club Manhattan, a members-only group for men and women who love to drive phenomenal cars, recently opened its doors at 250 Hudson, featuring a clubroom and spacious garage.

Over in the West Village, Selima Salaun, celebrity eyewear, opens its ninth store at 357 Bleecker Street. Bellydance Maternity has debuted its first New York boutique, offering stylish fashions for the mother-to-be, at 548 Hudson Street.

The East Village is equally active when it comes to retail. Giant Robot New York, a shop and art gallery, opened at 437 East 9th Street, offering a cool selection of toys books and clothes. John Derian Dry Goods introduced another shop steps away from the original, selling fine bedding, linens and clothes at 10 East Second Street. Underdog East, a loungey men's shop housing classic threads with a modern twist, surprises at 117 East 7th Street.

In fashionable Flatiron, Journeys, contemporary footwear and accessories, will also open in Union Square at 28 East 14th Street, joining Whole Foods, Forever 21, American Eagle, Trader Joe's, DSW Shoes, Filene's Basement and Sephora. H & M will take over the former Daffy's space at 111 Fifth Avenue, making this its eighth store in New York City. BCBG Max Azria has found a new home for its third Manhattan store and will open in Flatiron, at 168 Fifth Avenue.

Chelsea has charmed American Apparel, which will open another t-shirt mecca at 181 Eighth Avenue.

Down in the Meatpacking District, ladies will love Rebecca and Drew's for its flattering women's shirts, at 342 W. 13th Street.

In Nolita, Homer, a high-end furniture and accessories shop on Madison Avenue, has opened an outlet where everything is discounted. Shoppers can enjoy the savings when they visit the 250 Elizabeth Street location. Ralph Lauren will also open a Double RL store at 31 Prince Street.

Over on the Lower East Side, Superdeluxe will bring its quirky pop designs to 187 Chrystie Street.

In marvelous Midtown, dynamic new names delight. Fine Jewelry by Jerry Cohen, formerly known as Cipriani Jewelry and located within The Savoy, will open in Trump Plaza, at Third Avenue between 61st and 62nd Streets. Amore De Hair salon will open at 1050 Third Avenue, replacing Bati next to Spring Flowers on Third Avenue. Bridge Kitchenware, a gourmet chef's paradise, relocated to 711 Third Avenue. Charles Tyrwhitt, England's shirtmaker, will have its second New York City shop at Rockefeller Center West. Bloomberg Tower will be home to a moderately priced sportswear emporium--New York & Company--and jewelry chain Zales on the western corner of 715 Lexington Avenue. Laila Rowe accessories opened its 21 st location at 1375 Sixth Avenue, between 55th and 56th Streets. Parisian Brella Bar opened at 1041 Third Avenue, showcasing only the most elegant umbrellas, parasols, walking sticks and accessories just steps from Bloomies.

Over on the Upper West Side, Plaza Too will carry shoes, handbags and jewelry in its new 2231 Broadway store, while Big Mix Outlet will sell trendy overstock at discounted prices at 2186 Broadway. Buttercup Bake Shop will satisfy with its delightful confections at 141 West 72nd Street.

Expanding in the ever-bustling Financial District is fashionable discounter Century 21, which is making its already gigantic store even bigger. The National Sports Museum plans to open in 2006 at 25 Broadway, a few blocks from the Statue of Liberty ferry and the World Trade Center memorial site.

The New York Sports Clubs is getting into the act, installing a 22,206-foot fitness center at 225 Varick Street, in Hudson Square.

And, although an exact address has yet to be determined, Christian Lacroix is fast zeroing in on a New York space for his U.S. flagship. Fashionistas rejoice!

From Uptown to Downtown, New York City truly has it all this fall. Here's to another season of fabulous fall shopping!

FAITH HOPE CONSOLO, CHAIRMAN, RETAIL LEASING AND SALES DIVISION PRUDENTIAL DOUGLAS ELLIMAN