ShopperTrak Report: Fashion Week’s Night Out event drives store traffic

Chicago ShopperTrak RCT Corp.’s Retail Traffic Index (SRTI) Friday reported that the first night of Fashion Week (Sept. 10) in New York City -- this year tied to a promotional event called Fashion’s Night Out -- provided a 3.4% nationwide store traffic increase in the apparel and accessories retail segment. The increase was greatest, 50%, in Manhattan where the event originated.

“Our traffic data proves Fashion’s Night Out was a very successful event for those retailers in the apparel and accessories segment,” said Bill Martin, co-founder of ShopperTrak. “The overwhelming turnout in Manhattan lifted sales throughout the country providing some welcomed good news for participating retailers in an otherwise difficult 2009.”

Fashion’s Night Out was held during the first night of Fashion Week to support local New York City retailers. Participating retail stores across the five boroughs stayed open until 11 p.m. and offered an array of in-store celebrations and promotions. Nearly 100 retailers participated in the event -- sponsored by Vogue Magazine, among others -- as part of the Bloomberg administration’s Five Borough Economic Opportunity Plan to create jobs for New Yorkers, implement a vision for long-term economic growth, and build affordable, attractive neighborhoods.