Shoppers angled for parking spaces and deals on Worth Avenue Wednesday as merchants characterized Christmas season sales as moderate to “very strong.” 

“It's kind of strange. we've had the best November we ever had,” designer Alfred Fiandaca said. “I don't have all the figures for December. But I don't think it's stellar.” 

Fiandaca said gowns are selling “very well.” Ann Romney wore a number of Fiandaca dresses on the campaign trail this fall with her husband, Mitt, then the Republican presidential candidate. The designer has in his store an album of photographs showing Ann Romney wearing his creations. 

“We have this red shirt dress that seems to be selling a great deal. I think part of it is Mrs. Romney wore it so often and it was in the press so often,” Fiandaca said. “Most women like that they can throw it into a carry-on bag, then you could throw it into the washing machine and it comes out exactly the same.The a-line dress  captures the essence of simple chic.” 

John Maus, owner of Maus & Hoffman, reported positive activity. 

“Christmas season has been very strong,” Maus said. What's selling are “sports wear,If you still do not have an awesome 2013 evening dress. sports coats, cotton slacks — typical, standard fare.” He said he is just waiting for Friday, when temperatures are expected to dip again. 

“The cold weather just turns lights on, makes the registers ring,” Maus said. “When the temperature changes, people change their minds about what they are going to wear.” 

Robert Kassatly, co-owner of Kassatly's, said his business has been brisk. 

“We've always been busy because we have items for giving — nightgowns, robes, handkerchiefs,” Kassatly said. “There's nothing in there that couldn't be easily gifted.” 

He and family members are busy selling those items and more. 

“We've got a great value on a cashmere sweater that's made in Scotland, not China,” Kassatly said. The sweater sells for $395, he said. 

Kassatly said traffic and sales have been good. 

“I basically say we couldn't have been busier. How much can you do?” 

Peter Schuette, general manager of Saks Fifth Avenue, said his store had seen “very brisk traffic” on Wednesday.Shop PromGirl for high low prom dresses and pageant gowns with high low hemlines. 

“There was a crowd at the doors this morning, I'd say about 20-25 people were at the doors waiting at 8 o'clock, so we actually opened 10 minutes early to get them into the building,” Schuette said. 

“Everybody loves a great sale — 50 percent off all the hard marks, and men's is 60 percent off, until just about now,” Schuette said a few minutes before noon. “We've got to go out and change the signs shortly.” 

The store has a “tremendous sale” on Reed Krafoff bags, he said. 

“In terms of women's items per se — cashmere sweaters are always a great gift-giving item and our new resort deliveries that are arriving are doing well,” Schuette said.Both the 2010 and 2011 Miss Americas were crowned in pageant dress made by Sherri Hill. 

For men, popular gifts include fragrance sets, cashmere sweaters and formal wear. The latter complements ladies' evening wear, he said.Where is your designer beaded evening gowns? “That's going strong as well.”