Shops such as Eason's have already filled their shelves with Yuletide wrapping paper and cards, while Brown Thomas began decorating its flagship Grafton Street store, including erecting a Christmas tree, in the middle of September.

Some might throw up their hands in disgust at such commercialism but it seems that many more of us are warming to the idea of flying to New York to shop for seasonal gifts.

Despite the recent alleged plot to blow up transatlantic airliners, it is expected that thousands of Irish shoppers will head to the US for some retail therapy over the next two months.

Many will combine a short overseas break with favourable currency values . . .

the dollar is currently around $1.27 to the euro . . . to make big savings on their Christmas shopping. They will also benefit from cheaper flights, with most airlines travelling to New York trying hard to fill their planes. A return flight booked from today for travel from 1 November can be purchased for 258 before taxes and charges, says a spokeswoman for Aer Lingus.

Irish shoppers aren't just after a slice of the Big Apple:

more and more are being tempted by warehouses full of cut-price designer products only a 45-minute bus ride from the heart of Manhattan.

The big favourite is Woodbury Common. Here, at knock-down dollar prices, you can choose from designer ends of lines, last season's items and even a small selection of some of this season's styles.

Factor in the favourable exchange rate and there are some big savings to be made.

although watch out for duty.

For example, Armani shoes that would usually set you back at least $300 ( 240) cost around $100; a Gucci 'Cherry' handbag for $660 is $259;

Ralph Lauren jeans are down from $69 to $20; and DKNY tee-shirts are less than a third of the price at $9.

If you're on a spree and buying in bulk, huge savings like these can more than offset the cost of flying and accommodation.

However, with the dollar so low and fierce competition between retailers in New York's showcase shopping avenues, you don't have to go to factory-outlet stores to get a bargain.

Visit the department stores and big chains on Fifth Avenue, Madison and Lexington and you'll see that the US can offer much more value than Ireland. For example, an iPod Video 30GB priced at 358 in Harvey Norman will set you back less than 200 in the Big Apple.

But before you start seeing dollar signs and reach for your passport, there are plenty of costs to add to your bill. After your flight, the most obvious one is accommodation. You can save here by staying in a hostel, many of which are clean, friendly and central.

For a list, try www. hostels. com or www. hostelworld. com.

Prices start at $25 for a bed in a dormitory, or $29 for a private room.

For those shoppers new to America, the sales tax added onto the price of your purchase at the till can come as a shock.

This tax can vary between locations. In Manhattan, you'll fork out a hefty 8.4% each time you approach the counter;

travel a few miles to White Plains, a shopping suburb of the Big Apple, and the sales tax falls to 5%. Unless armed with a calculator and a detailed knowledge of local tax rates, you won't know exactly how much to expect to pay until you get to the till.

How you pay for your goods can also affect the cost. Use nearly any credit card and a handling fee of 1.75%, or 2.75% if you carry an AIB Visa card, and 2.65% for any MBNA card, will be added.

And bear in mind that if you go wild in the shops, there'll be extra costs incurred on the flight back if your baggage is over the weight restrictions.

Aer Lingus allows two suitcases weighing no more than 36kg (80lb) in total. Any more than that and you could incur a 40 surcharge up to 46kg, doubling to 80 for heavier amounts.

Apart from alcohol, cigarette and perfume allowances, any goods brought into Ireland from a non-EU country are subject to duty . . . and, probably, VAT . . . if they cost more than 175.

This applies whether it's just one item costing this amount or a number of different products that, when added together, are worth more than 175.

Duty varies according to the goods and is paid on the whole value, not just the difference between your items and the threshold. For example, clothes are liable for 12% duty, while shoes may be hit for up to 17%. The duty on camcorders is 10%, while an MP3 player attracts 2%-10% duty depending on whether it has a radio.

A spokesman said the Revenue's customs service has been targeting US flights since August and has already detained people with a variety of items including guitars and golf clubs. He said customs would be paying more attention to trans-Atlantic travellers between now and Christmas.

Of course, many travellers simply take their purchases out of the box, remove the price tag and bring them in with their other luggage.

Though common, this is illegal: if caught, says customs, you would be forced to pay the duty and VAT and possibly a fine if you have brought in a large number of items.

SEE TRIBUNE MAGAZINE PAGES 12, 14, 24, 27