Those eyeing the economic impact on the retail industry may note that consumer spending is down, but the hundreds attending Lucky magazine's Lucky Shops this weekend indicate otherwise. Back again for a fifth year, the publication's annual consumer shopping event at the Metropolitan Pavilion begins today, and this year features more than 70 clothing, beauty, accessories, and home brands selling wares at up to 70 percent off retail prices.
After an impressive turnout at the V.I.P. preview party on Thursday—guests included 30 Rock's Katrina Bowden and various Gossip Girl stars Leighton Meester, Jessica Szohr, and Kelly Rutherford—and more than double the ticket sales of 2007, the three-day consumer show looks to exceed expectations for this year.
New for 2008 are a partnership with the Robin Hood Foundation and a boutique for the nonprofit, a brow-shaping bar by Benefit Cosmetics, and a collaboration with Nintendo to show off its DS game consoles. With the help of producers from LeadDog Marketing Group, Lucky associate publisher of creative services Michelle Cardone is overseeing Lucky Shops, an event she has pioneered from its beginning.
Cardone noted that the Robin Hood boutique concept, where the foundation sells gently used designer items and 100 percent of proceeds go toward its mission, was a great fit for both organizations. "The boutique seems like a perfect manifestation of what they need to do to raise money," she said. Cardone also said the seamless integration of sponsors like Nintendo and Singer has helped improve the overall experience and offerings of Lucky Shops.
