NYC Overtaken By 'Fashion's Night Out'

NEW YORK (CBS 2) -- New Yorkers partied, shopped and rubbed elbows with the stars on Friday night during the second annual "Fashion's Night Out" festivities.

More than 1,000 merchants across the city kept their doors open late and turned shopping in to a red carpet affair.

CBS 2's Dave Carlin reports the event, designed to boost New York City's economy, takes the glamour out of the Fashion Week tents at Lincoln Center and spreads it across the city.

Stores featured live models in the front windows, discounts and food and drink.

"I love Fashion's Night Out. The city is buzzing. I haven't seen this many people shopping in a long time," said model and fashion designer Heidi Klum.

Upper East Side resident Sandy Birnbaum said, "I think it's wonderful for New York."

Yvonne Ramos of East Brunswick, N.J., walked along Fifth Avenue, looking for deals.

She stopped briefly outside the Gant store to see her 26-year-old son Eduardo working as a model in the store's window.

"It's crazy out here and it is fun to see how they are interacting," Ramos said.

Around midnight merchants closed up shop and counted up the receipts.

With the fashion buying frenzy over, Fashion Week moves back indoors at Lincoln Center.

It continues through Sept. 16.