PRESS RELEASE for the 2007 event:

The 3rd annual “MAGAZINE STREET RETAIL RELIEF” will take place Saturday November 3rd, and promises to be bigger and better than ever. We invite all of America to come on down to the “Big Easy” to eat, drink, celebrate, and SHOP so that this wonderful unique city will continue to rebuild one home, one business, one family at a time. I personally believe strongly in this “grass roots” event as it relies solely on the people themselves doing whatever it takes to insure the complete return of New Orleans.

“MAGAZINE STREET RETAIL RELIEF” was conceived in November of 2005; just a few short weeks after New Orleanians began to return after hurricane evacuation. Although 70% of the city was devastated by the flood due to Katrina’s levee breech, many historic neighborhoods and commercial districts miraculously suffered minor damage. In an effort to jump start local businesses and aid in the rebuilding process, we at HAZELNUT encouraged the retailers along the 5 mile stretch of predominantly individually owned gift shops, antique stores, clothing boutiques, jewelers, restaurants, and art galleries, to remove the protective wood from their shop windows, and with hope, open their doors to the homecoming citizens. In typical New Orleans style, live music, refreshments for all ages, special promotions, and charitable donations were set in place, and a new festival was born. People danced in the streets, embraced their friends, and shared their harrowing stories of the storm, meanwhile helping the now struggling economy.

One year later in 2006, the event blossomed and many more retailers up and down world renowned Magazine Street participated to insure the festival’s growth. Visitors came from all over the Gulf South region in solidarity to support local merchants whose businesses were still struggling to survive.

The 3rd annual “MAGAZINE STREET RETAIL RELIEF” will take place Saturday November 3rd, and promises to be bigger and better than ever. Hope to see you there!

Bryan Batt
Co-owner HAZELNUT, 5515 Magazine St. 504-891-2424
Actor - MAD MEN - AMC