By Lauren Ratcliffe
lratcliffe@scbiznews.com
Published June 25, 2012

Charleston Fashion Week boosted the local economy by $2.4 million, according to a report by the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis.

This year’s Charleston Fashion Week had a $2.4 million impact, according to a recent study. (Photo/File)

The event is considered one of the leading fashion weeks in the country, and thought to be a gateway for designers and models hoping to make one of the larger fashion events, such as those in New York City, Paris and Milan.

In its sixth consecutive year, fashion week boasted record attendance and sponsor participation. This year’s event also featured a new pop-up tent where local retailers could sell their merchandise.

It is estimated that out-of-town guests to the event spent on average $2,000 and residents attending spent $700.

The 7,500 attendees were highly educated and had significant disposable income, according to the study.

“We are very pleased with the continued success and growth of the 2012 Charleston Fashion Week and the recent survey results reinforces the growing economic impact of the event,” said Jed Drew, president of GulfStream Communications.

GulfStream owns and produces the Charleston Fashion Week event.

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