Fashion Retailers in All Five Boroughs Will Stay Open Until 11 p.m. Sept. 10 and Host In-store Events on First Night of Fashion Week
New York, NY (June 20) - Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta, Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour and Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Executive Director Steven Kolb today announced Fashion’s Night Out, a citywide event to support local retailers. On Sept. 10, the first night of Fashion Week, participating retail stores across the five boroughs will stay open until 11:00 p.m. and offer an array of in-store celebrations and promotions. Nearly 100 retailers have already signed on to participate in the event. Fashion’s Night Out is sponsored by Vogue, CFDA and NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing and tourism organization.
“New York City’s fashion and retail industry is a vital part of our local economy, supporting more than 175,000 jobs as seamstresses, sales clerks, delivery drivers and other occupations in apparel design, garment manufacturing, retailing, and other areas,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Fashion’s Night Out will provide our local retailers with a boost and will serve as a terrific kick-off for fall Fashion Week. I want to thank Vogue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America for developing a creative way to support New York City.”
“Vogue is very proud to be part of this important initiative which will not only celebrate fall Fashion Week, but also support and draw attention to the extraordinary and unrivaled fashion and retail industry in New York City,” said Vogue Magazine editor in chief Anna Wintour. “The City is home to some of the world’s most celebrated and diverse designers, and renowned for its vast array of retailers from legendary department stores to the most charming independent boutiques. Fashion’s Night Out is about protecting this creativity and diversity, reenergizing New York’s fashion and retail community and getting consumers excited about shopping for fall.”
In addition to supporting local retailers, Fashion’s Night Out will benefit important New York City causes. A special limited-edition t-shirt has been created for Fashion’s Night Out and will go on sale at participating retailers three-weeks prior to the event. Proceeds from its sale will support the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Also, shoppers will be encouraged to donate gently used or newly purchased clothes at participating stores or at specifically designated drop-off locations. Clothes will then be collected by the New York City AIDS Fund to benefit HIV/AIDS organizations across the city. Drop-offs will be made on Saturday, September, 12th, and there will be at least one collection drop-off location in each borough.
Also, shoppers will be encouraged to donate gently used or newly purchased clothes at participating stores or at drop-off locations designated by the New York City AIDS Fund to benefit HIV/AIDS organizations across the city. Drop-offs will be made on Saturday, September, 12th, and there will be at least one collection drop-off location in each borough.
“Now more than ever it is important for New Yorkers to support their local community, and the programming for Fashion’s Night Out is a great, fun vehicle with which to do so,” said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. “New Yorkers, as well as visitors to New York City, have an opportunity to give back while taking advantage of one our City’s biggest and most alluring industries.”
“Fashion’s Night Out centers around giving back to the community that we all so often enjoy and take for granted,” said Council of Fashion Designers of America Executive Director Steven Kolb. “Anyone considering making a clothing donation should keep in mind that whatever the price point of their donation, they will be making a valuable contribution to the City’s retail industry, while at the same time being a part of a one-of-a-kind evening of shopping and entertainment.”
“Small businesses are the mainstay of our City and support the diverse fabric of our neighborhoods,” said Small Business Services Commissioner Walsh. “When our small businesses succeed there are more job opportunities for New Yorkers. I encourage everyone to get out and shop on Fashion’s Night Out — to ensure our City maintains its vibrant spirit.”
“Working people in the city are hurting, and no more so than those who work in retail,” said Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union President Stuart Appelbaum. “This initiative not only serves consumers, but helps provide a needed boost to New York’s retail industry at a time when it’s needed most.”
“As a retailer, we are very excited about supporting this citywide initiative designed to stimulate the retail and fashion industries,” said Macy’s, Inc. President and CEO Terry Lundgren. “Fashion’s Night Out is a great program that will get New Yorkers and tourists excited about shopping again in the City that is known around the world for its eclectic fashion and iconic retail stores.”
The program’s website, fashionsnightout.com, provides retailers and consumers with information on how they can take part in Fashion’s Night Out. Consumers can access details on the programming, sign up for regular updates, and learn more about charitable and volunteer opportunities. Interested retailers will also be able to register their store and place orders for the Fashion’s Night Out tee.
