The Alternative Press

WESTFIELD, NJ - On April 19, more than 70 local businesses taking part in Girls' Night Out in Westfield offered freebies, discounts, demonstrations and special events at what may have been the town’s most successful shopping event to date.

More than 1,600 women pre-registered with the Downtown Westfield Corporation for the evening’s events before registration closed, and the line for goodie bags to be given to registrants wound around the corner before 5 p.m., according to Executive Director Sherry Cronin.

“It’s been a really wonderful night,” said Cronin, who said that those who registered came from seven states. Thirty-two percent of registrants came from Westfield itself. Registration wasn’t required, and it was clear from the jam-packed parking lots that Girls' Night Out was the place to be that evening.

“We’ve got beautiful weather, first of all. And the Downtown Westfield Corporation has done a wonderful job,” said Town Administrator Jim Gildea who, like many men who work for the town of Westfield, was on hand to greet the ladies. Nearby, Mayor Andy Skibitsky spoke to shoppers on camera for TV 36.

“I’ve been in town 25 years and this is one of the best events,” said Christine Bohacz, who was shopping with her daughter, Sonya Khedr, at Sole Fine Italian Shoes, which would celebrate its 10^th anniversary later that night with a star-studded dance party for all to enjoy. Nearby, at Randal’s Shoes, shoe lovers nibbled more refreshments, tried on the merchandise and took home giveways.

Some enjoyed live music, snacks and a free wine tasting at Cool Vines. At Robert Anthony Jewelers friends chatted over refreshments and entered a drawing for jewelry. Limani Seafood Grill gave diners an evening of Latin Music and $10 off bills of $50 or more. The Town Bookstore—one of the few independent bookstores in Union County—offered 20 percent off and a chance to win the much talked-about Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. Rockn’ Joe Coffeehouse and Bistro gave away free lattes.

The evening’s festivities were not limited to stores and restaurants; Burnett Plastic Surgery offered drinks, cupcakes and relaxing back massages, as well as coupons for skin and cosmetic treatments and a chance to win a random drawing.

“It’s going great. It could not be a better night for this,” said Ed Manapace, co-owner of The Farmhouse Store, where shoppers enjoyed free refreshments, and those who made a purchase were entered to win gift bags of summer-reading books from Doubleday Publishing. Manapace credited DWC’s Sherry Cronin, Beth Brenner and Jamie Lemberg for organizing the evening “really, really well. They did a terrific job.”