NYC Independent Retail Week 2009

An odd thing happened to me today. As I was strolling through the city, coming home from dinner, I saw a couple putting up their Christmas tree in the living room window. My first reaction was of utter repulsion, as it seems like just yesterday that I overcame my blackout from Halloween. But, after watching them for a second, I kind of got excited. Christmas in New York City is better than any place on earth, and the Yuletide season is rapidly approaching. While the decorations in NYC may be bigger and brighter this year, the presents prices are going down…thanks to Retail Week 2009.

In a socially conscious effort to support local businesses and help shoppers get the best for their buck in this tight-budget shopping season, Independent Retail Week will hit the city from Saturday, November 14th through till the 20th. Presented by Nolcha.com, this week-long retail experience will include fashion shows, interactive events and retailer demonstrations to help support the talents of independent designers and retailers. Keeping in mind that just because the shoppers have been good this year, doesn’t mean they can afford everything they want, many boutiques and new and up-an-coming designers throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn are offering sales and special deals throughout the week. Continuing its support for ethical fashion, Nolcha has partnered with Morsbags to produce shopping totes that are funky, strong, reusable bags made from recycled duvet covers, curtains and vintage clothes. These green bags will be given consumers to replace the traditional goodie bags and plastic shopping bags. With over 70 local retailers on board, this event is a great way to get you shopping ship sailing. Here are just a few of the many great events you can attend:

Steven Alan – NY Sample Sale
Steven Alan Showroom
87 Franklin St (between Broadway & Church)
212.219.3305

Duncan Quinn
Bespoke Trunk Show
November 14 – November 20
Get measured for the finest handmade menswear cut, stitched and finished by hand in New York in the Savile Row tradition.

Momo Soho
Annual Anniversary Sale and 10th Anniversary Party (invitation only)
November 14 – November 20
All merchandise will be 15-75% off all week. November 20th is the 10 year anniversary of opening our first store. There will be food, drinks and entertainment (details to follow).

Anavaa Kisasa – Williamsburg
15% off all purchases that total $100 or more all week. Any customer that comes in and can tell us the meaning of ‘Anavaa Kisasa’ will get an additional 5% off their purchase of $100 or more.

Mini Centro Shoes – Manhattan
Address: 59 Nassau Street
(212) 374.1340
www.minicentroshoes.com
Nando Muzi, Prada, Sonia Rykiel, Gibellieri, Gianmarco Lorenzi, Donna Piu High Fashion Italian Shoes under $99

Mini Centro Shoes – Brooklyn
1659 Sheepshead Bay Road
(718) 615.1481
30% off high end brand shoes
Gilbllieri & Gianmaco Lorenzi

Sarar – Manhattan
375 Madison Ave
Will offer 50% off for those that mention IRW.
www.sarar.com

SPECIAL EVENTS
Tuesday, November 17 – 7pm to 9pm
Shop for a cause with FEED Projects.
Plaza Too (571 Hudson Street) will host cocktails and fun shopping highlights and promotions. Plus, get to meet the FEED Project Team and pick up the latest bag. www.plazatoo.com

Friday, November 20
Get that Holiday Look
4pm – 8pm | Clarins Skin Spa | 1061 Madison Avenue (at 80th Street)
Learn about the latest beauty and fashion trends as you enjoy sample treatments and makeovers by Clarins beauty team and view collections from fashion designers: schander handbags, Maleku Jewelry, Anastasia Chatza and Elly Clay.

The week is not just for shopping, though! All the week’s best pampering and beauty events can be found at PrettyCity.com. For a complete list of participating stores and designers, and to find out about exclusive VIP events and promotions during IRW, check out www.independentretailweek.com.