Business & Tech
GNO Attracts Hundreds to Maplewood Village
Warm temperatures, cool deals, chilled wine make for a hot night on the town for the women of Maplewood.
More than half of the Maplewood Village merchants participated in the second Girls Night Out event held on Thursday, October 22. Passers-by immediately knew which merchants were taking part in the festivities by the pink balloons that were placed near the stores' entrances. Because October is the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many of the merchants pledged to donate a portion of the night’s profits to the Susan B. Komen Foundation.
Everyone appreciated the warm temperatures, as well as all the goodies that the merchants offered. Pink cocktails, chocolate treats and delicious dips could be found all through the town.
Hopscotch owner, Bernadette Barron, offered a 10% discount on anything pink in addition to the 10% donation to the Susan B. Komen foundation. She partnered with Mindy Freeland, who runs Jake’s Gems. Freeland displayed a jewelry trunk show along with Buddha handbags and warm scarves.
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Store No. 165 featured yummy mini-cupcakes that were quickly devoured. Storeowner Mary Vayas extended free gifts with purchases and additional discounts. No. 165 also held a bone marrow drive, headed by Jesse Torrey, a Maplewood mom whose son’s life was saved by an anonymous bone marrow donor.
“This is great,” raved Emma Sosa. “They should have this once a month! I am visiting stores I don’t normally go into and I am having a great time catching up with friends I haven’t seen in a while," said Sosa, a Maplewood-based fashion stylist.
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Rosetta Wieser of Village Wine Shop was one of the organizers of the event. She felt special events were more important than ever for the Village: "With these sagging economic times, we need to stay local, shop local and make things fun and festive."
"We try to create themes and purpose around each each," she continued. "For Girls Night Out, we [were] looking to create a fun late night shopping event that gives groups of women an easy itinerary for a night out."
Newcomer to Maplewood Village, Revolution Home, drew a huge crowd. Co-owners Jodi Sherer and David Heffernan, who previously owned a store on Ridgewood Avenue, were beyond thrilled about the night’s events. “We are so excited to be here," said Sherer. “The town has been so welcoming to us.” The store opened its doors a mere three and a half weeks ago. Sherer described the store as a “Paris flea market meets American Farm House. It’s shabby chic, rustic, whimsical and elegant.” Shoppers seemed to agree. “I love it here!” exclaimed one visitor.
Karen Westwood was busy shopping at Perch, which featured a jewelry trunk show. Westwood attended the first Girls Night Out back in June and agreed it was a wonderful night. “This is such a lovely event. I especially love Perch!”
Peggy Excell-Stone, owner of Lotus Petals, lured people in with an appetizing cheese spread and wine accompanied by the scent of the evening: Relaxing. Of course, offering free chair massages was a great appeal. When a customer commented that she truly felt relaxed after having spent a few minutes in her store, Excell-Stoner thanked her. “That’s my goal, “ she said with a smile.
