Fall and winter fashions are stocked in stores. Christmas gift merchandise is waiting to go on sale. The mere fact that summer is over will send many consumers into stores or onto online outlets. Here are books to help you understand your urge to shop and to assist you in getting your money’s worth.

“Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping,” by Paco Underhill (softcover, Simon and Schuster Paperbacks, 2000, 255 pages, $15). The best-selling hardcover book has gone paperback. Underhill’s book looks at the battle for control over consumers — stores want it to attract customers and shoppers need it to avoid being drawn in. “Why We Buy” gives both retailers and consumers a look at why shoppers do what they do.

“A Field Guide to Buying Organic,” by Luddene Perry and Dan Schultz (softcover, Bantam Books, 2005, 342 pages, $14). The publisher calls it “the definitive guide to healthful, affordable food shopping in an organic age.” Readers should know, simply, that it’s filled with helpful facts about what organic food is available, where it can be bought and why consumers should care.

“Frommer’s Born to Shop New York:  The ultimate guide for people who love to shop, 12th edition,” by Suzy Gershman (softcover, Wiley Publishing, 2008, 326 pages, $16.99). “For over 20 years, Suzy Gershman has been leading savvy shoppers to the world’s best finds,” the publisher promotes. “Now ‘Born to Shop New York’ is easier to use and packed with more up-to-date listings than ever before.”

“Scam Proof Your Life,” by Sid Kirchheimer (softcover, Sterling Publishing, 2006, 336 pages, $12.95). The advice from consumer experts is valuable. The insight offered by “retired ripoff artists” is priceless. As the subtitle suggests, AARP’s “Scam Alert” expert offers “377 Smart Ways to Protect You and Your Family from Ripoffs, Bogus Deals & Other Consumer Headaches.”

“Shop Your Closet: The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Closet with Style,” by Melanie Charlton Fascitelli (softcover, HarperCollins  Publishing, 2008, 160 pages, $19.95). Very much an organizing guide — Do we really have room to shop any more? — “Shop Your Closet” also offers a wealth of information about “what to buy to craft the best basic wardrobe without sacrificing style.” Words well spent.