Girls Night Out Gets People to Shop Local

The rain did not dampen shoppers from filling Caldwell businesses Thursday evening for the first ever Girls Night Out. 

More than 25 local businesses in Caldwell's business district kept their doors open late on Thursday to encourage residents to shop locally. The event drew dozens of people out to shop and meet local merchants. 

June Cowell, owner of Lovely Living Interiors and president of the Caldwell Merchants Association, said the event reminds people to stay local when they are shopping. 

"People came out and that is a good thing," said Cowell. "Something like [Girls Night Out] is designed to make people aware of what is here and connects residents with the downtown."

Drew Daniolowicz, co-owner of Hog Wild BBQ with his brother David, said "People made the most of the evening" and were "in good spirits. A bunch of stores had a bunch of different promotions."

The free event began at Caldwell Flowerland, where people who came out noshed on food from local restaurants, and then residents walked along Bloomfield Avenue visiting other merchants who were offering specially priced items for the evening and cocktails. 

Lisa Smith, owner of Smith & Company, said her gift shop "was dead" when the event started around 6 p.m. and worried the weather was preventing people from participating. But by 7 p.m., she said the night took a positive turn. 

"Around 7 o'clock, it started rocking," said Smith. "I'd say I had about 30 customers," which she added is much than a typical Thursday night. "It was a success."