Maplewood Village Girls Night Out a Success

'Girls Night Out' in suburbia is usually more 'Girls Gone Mild' than 'Girls Gone Wild' but leave it to Maplewood minds to come up with a twist on the tradition that involves libations, laughter, shopping, celebrities, chair massages and a whole lot of variations of fun. Not even the wet weather could dampen enthusiasm for the event, as evidenced by the number of pedestrians sporting umbrellas and shopping bags on the Village's soggy streets last night.

While the skies might not have been game, plenty of local ladies were: The Village was awash with gals (and some guys) looking to make light of the storm, spend time with friends and support town merchants. Maplewood resident Terrie Brodie, in a chic brown polka dot trench, had no qualms about braving the weather—or sharing what brought her out in spite of it: "My friends and shopping," she explained. "What could be a better combination?"

Still, store owners, like Michele Bessey of Perch, seemed genuinely surprised and grateful for the traffic. "I'm really impressed with our local Maplewood folks," she said. "They braved the weather to show their support. It was a great night."

No. 165 even enjoyed a line outside its door that at times stretched half a block with people vying to meet 'Real Housewife of New Jersey' and cookbook author Teresa Giudice. The line inside—at the register—was also impressive. Shop owner Mary Vayas commented that she was "shocked but very pleased with the turnout."

While they may not have figured out a way to control the forecast, local store owners should be commended for coming up with inventive incentives to keep interest in shopping in town despite the dreary economy. Judging from the sounds of parking lot laughter as the night wound down and people loaded into their cars, a good time was had all around. Consider this Maplewood 'Girls Night Out' a 'Girls Gone Smiled' success.

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