While winter may be a time to hibernate when even the LES BID office has a brief respite, we know it’s just the calm before the storm. While the weather acts up, we’re playing up our plans for the near future. We’re working with the MTA and a renovated office space to make getting to and around the LES easier. We’re encouraging night-time shopping. And we’re not waiting for Spring to hatch new businesses and attractions, as you’ll see in the New Arrivals section below. Winter’s also the perfect time to check out some of the great places in the neighborhood where you can warm up with a little something while you stay connected through our many wifi hot spots.

Lower East Side BID Office Relocation
The LES BID has temporarily moved to the basement of 54 Orchard Street, between Grand and Hester, while our ground floor office is being renovated. To get your parking validated or to get neighborhood information, stop by our new location right next door – ring the Office #4 buzzer of the apartment building at 54 Orchard and then take the elevator to Cellar ( button C). If you have trouble finding us call 212-226-9010.

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Late Nights on the LES Initiative
During the month of December the Lower East Side BID encouraged merchants to stay open late for the holiday shopping season. Over 50 clothing and accessories stores participated and decided to stay open until 9–10pm throughout the weekend. The Lower East Side Business Improvement District will continue to encourage extended hours throughout the year for your shopping convenience.

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Essex Market – The Cure for Cold Weather
If you have been around for the holidays you know that snow and wind have taken over Manhattan – in this cold weather you could limit your travelling time for grocery shopping by rediscovering the Essex Market and what it has to offer. Part of Lower East Side history, the market has operated for nearly 70 years offering a variety of products. In the Essex Market today you can get affordable fresh produce, meet the famous 4th generation butcher Jeffery Ruhalter, get a custom made cake from Rainbos, check out the rare options in the cheese stands of Saxelby’s and Formaggio Essex or try Roni-Sue’s Chocolates, which offers some incredible hand-made chocolate creations.

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Know Before You Go
When taking the subway on a weekend, please have in mind the weekend service changes that often occur, and allow extra travel time. You can find a listing of all bus and subway changes on the MTA website http://www.mta.info/mta/advisories.htm To view the changes, click a local line and note the changes.

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New Arrivals
The Lower East Side has welcomed a couple of new establishments this winter. Strolling up Orchard Street you can find new additions to the boutique scene, Kai D and James Coviello. This adds to the caliber of on-site designers on the block with the likes of Robert James, Still Life and Pilgrim – stores paying attention to craft and detail. A couple of new galleries are launching new shows in January, including our Orchard Street neighbors Lisa Cooley, Invisible Exports, Gallery Bar and the latest to settle on the block – Lesley Heller Workspace, a commercial gallery and a project space.

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Get Wired
You don’t have to stay inside your home during the cold months – a number of Lower East Side cafes offer free wireless internet and a subdued atmosphere where you can get work done – check out 88 Orchard, The Three Monkeys or Epstein’s Bar!

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