I plan to be in NY city on Nov 2nd. I know it is ElectionDay so i need to know if stores will be closed as I was hoping to do some shopping? Can anyone tell me?
Thanks

Election day in USA is not a legal holiday. Employers in some areas of USA are required to allow their employees time off to vote at the polls.

Here's the Fall calendar at a glance ---

Yom Kippur (Begins at Sundown*): September 24
Sukkot (Begins at Sundown*): September 30
Columbus Day: October 11 HOLIDAY
Ramadan: October 16 (Depends on the sighting of the moon in North America)
Birth of the Bab (Baha'i holiday): October 20
Halloween: October 31
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): November 1
All Saint's Day: November 1
All Soul's Day: November 2
Veterans Day: November 11
Birth of Baha'u'llah (Baha'i holiday): November 12
Eid al-Fitr: November 14 (Depends on the sighting of the moon in North America)
Thanksgiving Day (US): Thursday, November 25 HOLIDAY

That's good to know because my main reason is to do some shopping. I have been checking Hotwire and the prices seem steep so not sure if it's because the date is Election Day (Nov 2) or is the fact that I am only planning on one night?

I can book it from 11/01-11/02 or 11/02-11/03 those are my choices. Reality is regardless, I will be flying out on 11/02 evening. But when I arrive in NY I need a place to leave my things from my trip while I head out to enjoy the city. So my option is arrive the night before and sleep there or arrive the day of and just use the room as my base. Any suggestions of an inexpensive place that might work for one night or to use for the day..prefer Manhatten Midtown E or W. Thanks

You might try the Best Western Presidential, just off Times Square (don't remember exact address; it's near the Hyatt).

As I remember, the rooms are small but clean and up-to-date, and the location is good. Also, the staff was fairly friendly and helpful.

Stores will most certainly be open on Election Day and many will be running Election Day sales events.

Depending on your point of view, you're either helping our economy or getting in one last round of good shopping before our economy tanks again.

I think the BW President is on the east side (40s or 50s)but I could be wrong. I would try bidding on Priceline for a room for 1 night if you're not fussy. Read biddingfortravel.com

Prices have been very high this fall. Even the Comfort Inn Midtown and Super 8 (both good and both operated by applecorehotels.com) have been pricey.

checked BW President & no availability.
Maybe I need to check priceline as you suiggest. Or does anyone know of a discount alternative bear the Garment district. My need are only for the day, not even overnight so I do not ned to be in a luxury place just deecent and safe. I am not staying overnight.

Prices seem steep because it's the beginning of the Christmas season -- a wonderful time of year in NYC when there are lots of tourists in town and the hotels traditionally jack up their prices. You may also be running into some marathon bookings.

someone mentioned to me that some hotels will do a "dayrate" has anyone had any experience with this?

Thinking I may get a cheaper rate near LGA airport where I come in any motel/hotel suggestions for this area that have an airport shuttle?