Avalon Named One Of America’s Top 10 Retail Experiences

From the Wilbert Group: Avalon, the mixed-use “urbanburb” in Alpharetta, was recently selected as one of the best retail center experiences in the nation by Chain Store Age magazine, the leading source of news and analysis for retail industry executives.

Avalon was highlighted in the publication’s July/August issue for its longstanding relationship and commitment to raising funds for Bert’s Big Adventure through the annual Noon to Night fashion show, as well as the center’s “execution of a deft new take on a well-worn fashion show theme.”

“We feel truly honored to have been named one of Chain Store Age’s top 10 retail experiences for an event that is beloved and supported by the greater Alpharetta community,” said Carla Cox, director of marketing at Avalon. “Noon to Night is one of our favorite nights of the year because we get to create a glamourous once-in-a-lifetime experience where these kids are able to enjoy their moment in the spotlight and our retailers can join in on the fun.”

Noon to Night is an annual event in which Avalon Boulevard is transformed into a magical, blue-carpeted runway that evokes images of haute couture fashion weeks. Bert’s Big Adventure children strut down the runway with fashion models and local stars, showcasing the latest fall looks from Avalon’s best-in-class retailers, who work together with their stylists to create ensembles for the adult and child models.

This is the first year that Chain Store Age has chosen to recognize malls and shopping centers that are setting standards for activating more than just stores to draw traffic. The list of trend-setters did it with community events, green gathering spaces, food festivals, and amusement attractions.

“In a time when human communication tends to be largely digital, malls and shopping centers have the opportunity to become the centers of social interaction in America,” said Chain Store Age Real Estate Editor Al Urbanski. “The owners and managers of the 10 properties that made our list understand this and are forging a new retail paradigm for a new and exciting century.”

Avalon’s Noon to Night was named the number 10 top retail center experience, recognized alongside nationally acclaimed venues such as The Grove in Los Angeles and Mall of America in Minnesota. Last year’s event raised more than $50,000 and Avalon expects an even larger crowd this year with the opening of Boulevard East, the development’s expansion which doubled the size of the retail destination.

This year, Avalon will host the third annual Noon to Night on Thursday, Sept. 14 from 6 to 10 p.m. General admission tickets for Noon to Night are available for $50, and VIP tickets are offered at $150. VIP ticketholders will have access to a private reception party before the show and front row seats lining the runway. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. All proceeds from Noon to Night will benefit Bert’s Big Adventure.

For more information, visit Avalon’s website at experienceavalon.com.

Photos courtesy of The Wilbert Group