Mayor Bloomberg Announces ‘Fashion’s Night Out’

NEW YORK—In an effort to boost New York City’s retail industry, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced a Fashion’s Night Out event scheduled for the first night of Fashion Week, September 10, 2009. The program is part of the City’s Five Borough Economic Opportunity Plan, which includes multiple initiatives aimed to uplift the economy by creating jobs, implementing long-term economic growth strategies and building affordable neighborhoods throughout New York City.

The event, which intends to promote economic activity of local businesses, will support participating retailers in the five boroughs in staying open until 11:00 p.m. and holding various in-store promotions. Approximately 100 retailers have signed up to participate in the initiative to date. The project is being sponsored by Vogue, CFDA and NYC & Company, the 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,” stated 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,” he added.

The Mayor was joined by the NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta, Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Executive Director Steven Kolb, Small Business Services Commissioner Robert Walsh, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union President Stuart Appelbaum, Macy’s Inc. President and CEO Terry J. Lundgren, designer Vera Wang, Robin Renzi of Me&Ro, National September 11 Memorial & Museum President Joseph Daniels and New York City AIDS Fund Chairman Len McNally, and multiple retail representatives at City Hall for the announcement.
 
“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,” noted Vogue Magazine Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. “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,” she continued.

Program details, including event updates and volunteer opportunities for consumers and retailers, are available at www.fashionsnightout.com. The website allows retailers to register their store and place orders for the Fashion’s Night Out limited-edition t-shirt, which will be sold starting three weeks prior to the event to benefit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Donations of gently used or newly purchased clothes at participating stores or drop-off locations designated by the New York City AIDS Fund will also be accepted to benefit HIV/AIDS organizations.

Other initiatives of the City’s Five Borough Economic Opportunity Plan include federal stimulus transportation projects that will create or preserve 32,000 jobs, opening of New Hope Walton Project housing for low-income residents in Harlem, stimulus funding to provide summer jobs for 51,000 young New Yorkers, Retail Expansion to Support Health (FRESH) program for grocery stores and expansion of NYC Business Express to help businesses obtain permits and licenses.