How Wall Street gets its gifting done

"Work schedules don't always have much sympathy for holiday plans - especially the notoriously grueling hours of the finance industry. When it comes to carving out time for gifting, some Wall Streeters opt to outsource the task, while others shop at convenient stores close to, or even within, their offices. "This time of year, time seems to move a little bit faster," said Elisabeth Brown, the director of US membership at luxury travel and lifestyle concierge company Knightsbridge Circle. Brown said that gift help is a popular service among members, and that Knightsbridge Circle will suggest, buy, and even deliver items. Members devote time to talking about their preferences, and later to approving purchases, but otherwise pass off the responsibility."

"Other finance employees turn to personal shoppers for help. David Thielebuele, the fashion director of ready-to-wear at Bloomingdale's, said in an email that people turn to personal shoppers for a mix of "convenience and expertise," especially during the end-of-year crunch. The personal shopping team can refine lists, buy items, and build event wardrobes. "The real challenge is decision fatigue," Thielebuele said. Many clients can only devote fragmented chunks of time to gifting, he added, compounding the issue."

"For those who do handle the shopping on their own, though, stores near the office can offer an easy solution. Jeremy Balrup, who covers sales and analytics for Bloomberg's enterprise data business and has worked in finance for around a decade, said he often stops by department stores near his office in Midtown Manhattan to buy gifts. If he's buying a sweater, he said he'll visit the J. Press store in Grand C"

Finance professionals working long Wall Street hours often lack time for holiday gift shopping and therefore frequently outsource gifting tasks. Luxury concierges like Knightsbridge Circle suggest, purchase, and deliver gifts after members approve selections. Personal shoppers at department stores provide convenience and expertise, refining lists, purchasing items, and assembling wardrobes. Decision fatigue and fragmented time complicate in-house shopping efforts. Some employees use department stores near Midtown Manhattan offices for quick purchases such as sweaters. Alcohol is a common choice for colleague gifts. These strategies prioritize efficiency and convenience amid end-of-year time pressures.

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