What Sidewalk Sales Are All About

It is probably 110 Heat Index outside right now.   And we are preparing for our Annual Sidewalk Sale.  Let me say, that years ago we smartened up and put our Sidewalk Sale indoors where the cool a/c made all the difference in the world.

We started Sidewalk Sales when we were in our first location at the Farm Shopping Center.  We joined in with other retailers to take the mid-summer opportunity to offer left over merchandise at 50% or 75% off the retail price.  Everyone liked it so much, that even when we moved to the Harvard address where we are now, we continued the Sidewalk Sale.

Jeff was especially enthusiastic.  He bought 2 canvas awnings, set them up outside, got out the old boom box and a bunch of Christmas CDS (probably cassette tapes when we first started), pulled out 2 box fans and a canvas Director's chair and he was set to go.

Of course over 23 years, we have had all sorts of weather, from blistering hot to rain, wind and cool temps. 

We all took turns sitting outside with our merchandise and we just didn't know better.

Fast forward to our Harvard store where we first realized (DUH!) that we could do all of this inside and wouldn't have to sparkle (sweat) anymore.

Sidewalk Sales are full of bargains.  Holiday merchandise and everyday items at deeply discounted prices.  Most retailers love Sidewalk Sales because those days help us to send lots of good merchandise home with folks, clear out space for 4th quarter goodies, gives us the opportunity to see that "once a year shopper" who is probably also hitting garage sales on the same weekend.

Jeff's theory is that people like to rummage through boxes and crowded tables.  I was not convinced at first but have since seen evidence that Jeff was right on target.  There is always a surprise or 2 at the bottom of the box.

There is definitely a psychology to shoppers who enjoy Sidewalk Sales and we really depend on that psychology to help us through the dog days of summer.

What do we do with any leftover Sidewalk Sale items?  We box them up and donate them to schools and other organizations in town which can benefit from getting free stuff to use for their programming.

Hope to see you at Sweet Tooth July 8 and 9...this year we'll dress up the Sale with a snack table and our own fun personalities.

On to ordering for the 4th quarter.  We'll talk about that later.