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Troublemakers, Low Profits Prompt Cancellation Of 'Fashion's Night Out'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The party is over for an event that blended shopping and champagne, fashion and celebrities in New York City.

As CBS 2's Dave Carlin reported Wednesday night, the next "Fashion's Night Out," which was set for September, has been called off.

Last year's event featured appearances from Cyndi Lauper, Michael Lors and even Miss Piggy. In the Meatpacking District and across the city it was see and be seen and shop 'til you drop.

"The energy is great. It's a fun night. Everyone is out on the street partying," one shopper said at the time.

The event had plenty of fans.

"I think it's New York – we have to have 'Fashion's Night Out,'" said Susan Cohen of the Upper East Side.

Cohen and other fans relied on "Fashion's Night Out" to strut, shop, and star-watch.

With each year, the glitz grew, but so did the grit -- lately attracting a rowdy element.

"It turned it into not being about fashion and not being about shopping," said Eric Goldstein, who owns the Jean Shop in the Meatpacking District and SoHo.

For that reason, the organizers are pulling the plug. The party is over, at least for now.

"Fashion's Night Out will go on hiatus in order to enable retailers to channel their resources to other priorities," a statement said.

Some store owners and managers said they can live without "Fashion's Night Out," insisting it got too big too fast.

It started in 2009, the brainchild of Vogue's Anna Wintour to bring together retailers, shoppers, designers and celebrities.

But the in-store events are pricey -- too pricey for many.

"There wasn't that big of a profit from it," said Dana Rosen, manager of Lilla P.

Fashion expert Dawn Del Russo said the decision to cancel the event was "shocking," but added it was the right call because something designed to help retailers was starting to hurt them.

"Retailers don't mind putting in a DJ, etc., if they are going to get a return," Del Russo said. "They just weren't seeing that."

Some retailers expressed hope that the event would make a comeback.

"I hope it returns with a different twist so it's more about shopping and product," Goldstein said.

Some industry insiders suggest an alcohol-free reboot of "Fashions Night Out" to bring in buyers and turn away troublemakers.

"Fashion's Night Out" will still be held in select international cities, but not in the United States.

Are you disappointed that "Fashion's Night Out" has been canceled? Please leave your comments below...

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