Oprahpalooza Boosted Retail Traffic 10%

O money, no problems.

Oprah's big bash on Tuesday boosted retail sales along the Mag Mile by 10%, according to stats from a local retail tracking firm.

ShopperTrak credits the estimated 21,000 fans who flocked to Oprah's season premier taping with giving local retailers a 10% boost in sales.

"[Tuesday] was most likely a pretty good day for retailers," said Bill Martin of the Chicago-based retail research firm to the Trib.

When approached during the event, most store managers were cautiously optimistic.

According to John Chikow, president and CEO for the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association, not one of the 110 GNMAA member businesses has called to complain about shutting down parts of the street.

Despite Oprahpalooza's boost, shopper traffic fell on the Mile by 6.5 percent Tuesday compared with a year ago.

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