Annual Sidewalk Sale Defeats Recession

If the recent weather hasn't convinced you that summer is just around the corner, the sidewalk sale currently underway in Larchmont likely will.

What a better way to usher in the season than with a sidewalk sale where almost everything offered is 50 to 75 percent off? If you're looking for a new pair of shoes, skinny jeans, an ice cold latte or are interested in adopting a pet, Palmer Avenue—between Larchmont and Chatsworth avenues—is the place to be.

Approximately 25 Larchmont stores are participating in the Annual Larchmont Chamber of Commerce Merchant Sidewalk Sale being held on June 3, 4, and 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Customers commandeer sidewalks to get their shopping fix when stores set up shop outdoors for the sale. And on Saturday, Larchmont Pet Rescue will join the event at 1914 Palmer Ave. by making cats and dogs available for adoption. 

Mancino Tailors and Clothiers, Twinkle Toes, Love by Bella Fiora, REcologie, and Ann Taylor are just a few of the stores participating. So if you're looking for a gift for a graduate, attending a June wedding, planning camp care packages or hoping to avoid the last minute Father's Day gift hunt, you're bound to find something. 

Yesterday afternoon, a group of women were shopping outside of Suede—a popular boutique offering designer clothing and an eclectic selection of accessories—jockeying for positions over a clothing rack and shoe boxes. Inside, owners Joan Bombeck and Debbi Jennings were impossible to distract while they engaged in assisting customers.

"It's been a great spring," said Denise McDonald, owner of Twinkle Toes. "We've been busy. There's been no real pause in purchasing as a result of the recession. The sidewalk sale brings out a different kind of shopper—those looking for sales."

And who doesn't love a sale? McDonald admitted to missing some of the merchants who no longer own shops on the avenue, but despite their absence, she feels as though the sale has brought in additional customers. This sentiment was echoed by Tony Mancino of Mancino Tailors and Clothiers.

"I believe we may have already hit the bottom recession-wise," he said. "Things are getting better, but they are not where the used to be. This year's sale has been much better than the last."  

And everyone is getting into the act. Starbucks will offer free samples of various items throughout the sale. Even CitiBank has sidewalk sale fever: the bank joined merchants by setting up a table adorned with popcorn and stress balls for passersby. The table also includes information on their latest promotion: 5 percent cash back when purchases are made with an eligible Citibank debit card.

With the majority of merchants seeing increased traffic brought on by the sale, they are looking forward to Friday and Saturday. Although most shops will accept credit cards, cash is the preferred method of payment.

In the event of rain, Monday, June 7 has been set as a rain date.