Could she be joking? Or jealous?

Anyway, from personal experience, shop early, especially if you want 700c studded tires. Last Winter, I had a hard time finding a shop that would even want to order mine! 26" tires are a bit easier to find, mostly because of MEC.

P.S. Try to stick to Nokians if you can afford them. Very good traction and carbide studs that will last many many years.