Shopping Extravaganza Returns to Chicago To Give Local Retailers Much Needed Boost

Nolcha’s Independent Retail Week to Support Chicago Boutiques

Independent Retail Week (October 16 through October 23), created by Nolcha.com, returns for another year to help lift the local economy by further accelerating consumer spending while celebrating the diversity of Chicago’s fashion scene.

The initiative offers independent retailers a reputable platform to reach thousands of consumers via a week-long, city-wide shopping extravaganza and increase brand awareness. Prior Independent Retail Week’s held in NYC, Philadelphia and Chicago have been highly regarded by both retailers and consumers. Celebrated stores include: Anastasia Chatkza, Adele Dallas Orr, Kreative Soul and Wildflowers.

“We are very excited to be a sponsor of Independent Retail Week. The Merchandise Mart and The Chicago Market have always been huge supporters of independent retailers and designers. When there is an opportunity to go out into the community and support our city we jump in and embrace it!”
Trisha Schultz, Director of Marketing, Merchandise Mart.

Consumers can enjoy exclusive promotions, discounts and in-store events ranging from trunk shows, style consultancy and cocktail parties.

“By featuring independent retailers and designers within our merchandising mix at The Shops at North Bridge, we are not only providing our shoppers with additional choices, but we are also helping to promote the entrepreneurial spirit of local business owners. Chicago has amazing local talent and having a store at our shopping center provides independent retailers with a rare opportunity to showcase their product line on Michigan Avenue, exposing their brand to the world,” Erica Strama, Marketing Manager, The Shops at North Bridge.

Independent Retail Week: Chicago is supported by www.chicagodress.com; a resource that features Local Boutiques who offer that unique shopping experience not found on-line or at the mall and Local First Chicago; a network educating the public on the importance of choosing locally owned, independent businesses as well as Hotel Felix Chicago.

To celebrate Independent Retail Week: Chicago 2010 Nolcha has partnered with Where Magazine to launch Where Chicago Shops Contest offering independent fashion retailers the opportunity to get their store in front of thousands of consumers.

Event website: www.independentretailweek.com

About Nolcha

Nolcha is a leading business platform for independent fashion designers and retailers via educational, online and event resources; making business easy for the fashion minded.

The Nolcha platform includes Global Fashion Brands, a business-to-business online Look Book service connecting retailers, stylists and media to fashion designers; Fashion Entrepreneur Report, daily How To fashion business videos; Nolcha Fashion Week: New York, currently held during New York Fashion Week providing key exposure to press, buyers, and industry figures for independent fashion designers from all over the world to break into the New York fashion market, in both apparel and accessories; events during London Fashion Week and Independent Retail Week in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and San Francisco, an initiative to drive business and increase revenue for independent fashion retailers.

For more information, please visit www.nolcha.com.

For press inquiries contact: Kerry Bannigan, kerryb@nolcha.com