Caldwell Merchants Association Holds a Tag Sale

Like many other organizations, the Caldwell Merchants Association (CMA) must contend with a tough economic environment. However, when the going gets tough, the tough hold tag sales.

On Saturday, the usual smattering of yard and garage sales was augmented by the CMA's "huge" sale held in the Ace Hardware parking lot.

The sale featured items donated by both Caldwell merchants and area residents, with proceeds going to support the CMA.  

June Cowell, president of the CMA and owner of Lovely Living Interiors on Bloomfield Avenue, said the goal of the association is to both revitalize Caldwell's downtown and make it a shopping destination. The organization is comprised of more than 50 local merchants, professionals and volunteers, Cowell said.

To achieve its goals, the CMA has sponsored a series of events, including hosting the Black Maria Film Festival in April, the springtime "Art on the Avenue," "Dinner and a Movie" promotions and the upcoming  Scarecrow Decorating Contest and Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 16. 

With any event, there are costs involved, and the Fall Festival is no different, Cowell explained. Some of these costs include paying for pony rides for children, food purchases, advertising costs and buying banners. 

In the past, the CMA has asked the downtown merchants to underwrite these costs. However, with many local businesses affected by the tight economy, the CMA decided this year to hold a fundraiser.

"The merchants can't do everything. Having a tag sale is something we could throw together quickly.  People in the community can come out and support the merchants," said Amy Piazza, one of the organizers of the tag sale.

In order to have a successful sale, Piazza, along with co-organizer Stacey Potencano, Cowell, and other CMA volunteers gathered in the back parking lot of Ace Hardware at 6 a.m. on Saturday.

They sorted through and arranged donations received by both merchants and residents. Among the merchants that donated were Bari's Baubles and Smith & Company.  

Ace Hardware helped by providing space for the sale, collecting donations received throughout the week, donating storage boxes, lending tables and putting up signs directing customers to the event.

"We want to support the downtown, show our civic pride, and be a part of the community. This is a great cause," said John McDermott, store manager at Ace Hardware.

Items for sale included a coin collection, costume jewelry, children's toys, glassware, cooking utensils and other housewares.

While the sale was scheduled to run from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., business was still brisk at 3 p.m., and Piazza and Potencano decided to extend the sale another two hours.

Kathy Bartosh of Verona, a self-described "avid garage sale shopper," was pleased with the selection of goods. "There are lots of lovely new things and the clientele is lovely, too," Bartosh said.