Viewfinder: Women Revel in Retail Therapy at Ladies Night Out

The Royal Oak Association of Retailers expected hundreds woman to hit the streets of downtown Royal Oak for on Thursday.

Retailer Laura Harrison, the owner of the , said she had a steady stream of traffic in her store. "Any kind of event always hinges on the weather, and we have had a perfect night," she said.

Heather Dougherty and Mary Gross, both of Sterling Heights, and Casey Broff of Royal Oak were taking advantage of Ladies Night Out specials. Participating stores honored a 25 percent-off coupon on any item. Gross bought a fighting panda pen at , Dougherty bought a cookie cutter in the shape of Michigan, and Broff purchased chocolate from — and they said they were just getting started.

Paula Macchiarella of Royal Oak also enjoyed a night out with her girlfriends. They stopped in to get a foot massage with peppermint lotion from a gentleman named Snake.

"We've been having a blast," said Macchiarella, who was celebrating her 55th birthday. "I have been smiling since I left my car."