Fashion's Night Out was such a success that it will happen again in September 2010. WWD reports that Mayor Bloomberg is on board, and so are the rest of the retailers who participated this year.
Today, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Vogue magazine, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and NYC & Co. will unveil the return of the event on Sept. 9 -- and the plan is to make the second one bigger and better than the first.
"The numbers are in, and it's clear that Fashion's Night Out was a tremendous success," Bloomberg said. "Thousands of New Yorkers attended the events in all five boroughs, supporting the city's retail and fashion industries, and helping a worthwhile cause. It's sure to be an even bigger event in 2010."
The first event, which took place Sept. 10, was widely considered a success. In New York alone, more than 700 retailers remained open until 11 p.m., and designers planned special personal appearances or events, with various spots around the city turning into major block parties.
"We were absolutely bowled over by the response to Fashion's Night Out," said Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour. "It was only 15 minutes after the event began, and we were getting reports about lines around the block at stores throughout the city. It was wonderful to see people embrace this initiative, and we are thrilled that they wish it to return."
CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg added, "To have designers in stores to celebrate and start a shopping season is the best idea for everybody. It creates excitement and lots of business."
ShopperTrak reported that foot traffic in stores was up by 50% on Fashion's Night Out. Another survey found that 75% of the attendees at the event actually bought something, while a majority of shoppers went into a store they had never been to before. Shoppers also stepped outside their normal shopping neighborhoods and experienced a new area of the city.
