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07/11/2017 12:00 AMWhether you're a bargain hunter or a strolling shopper, the annual sidewalk sales in Branford, Guilford, and Madison will take place starting on Thursday, July 20 and run through Sunday, July 23, 2017. With boutique shops and owners who work hard to offer you a selection of items you may not find elsewhere, there are sure to be finds for everyone. Sidewalk sales offer a chance to find discounts and specials that allow you to treat yourself, find the perfect gifts for friends and family, or possibly even to get a head start on your winter holiday shopping.
"I think bargain hunters love the idea of an entire weekend of 'Retail Therapy' stretched across the three towns," says Madison Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Eileen Banisch. "Stores will be offering everything from a simple '20% off everything,' to deeply discounted seasonal items, to discontinued or one-of-a-kind treasures."
A Madison boutique with 13 years of history as Asiye's is now owned by Kara Engstrom and named A's Unique Boutique.
"Engaging the community to participate in supporting the local Sidewalk Sales with amazing deals and steals is very important," says Engstrom. "Combined with an upbeat and fun atmosphere for both the shoppers and vendors, we hope to display and intrigue the shoppers a step behind window shopping! We are looking forward to a terrific 1st Sidewalk Sale at the Boutique!"
In downtown Guilford, M!X Design Store has been doing the sidewalk sale for nine years.
"We actually have an 'inside sidewalk sale' because it can be so hot out on the sidewalks in July," says Wendy Walden from M!X. "We have AC and offer cold drinks to our shoppers. We price ALL our sale items at 50% off. Customers come to Guilford to shop at our sale from all over. They know it's one of only two times where we discount items so heavily. Some customers even do early Christmas shopping! The serious shoppers come on Thursday to get the best selection."
Just down the street from M!X is Ballou's Restaurant & Wine Bar which offers both inside and outside dining options. While shopping may be the focus of thee sales, local dining options give shoppers a chance to fuel up by way of breakfast, rest and recharge at lunchtime, or wind down with dinner after completing their activities of the day.
"I think as the sidewalk sale continues to grow and develop, it continues to attract new people to Guilford," says Steven Kaye, owner of Ballou's. "More shops participate and of course [there are] always new things. From a restaurant standpoint, it is an opportunity to attract new customers and even sometimes ones that have not been to us in a while. We have just introduced a new wine and food menu with more wines and new dishes."
In Branford, the sale's kick-off coincides with the popular weekly jazz concerts, with up to a thousand music lovers on the green. Economic Development Commission chairman Perry Maresca sees it as an opportunity to support local, independently owned businesses.
"The sidewalk sale's success over the years underscores the vibrancy of Branford's town center and its appeal as a destination," says Maresca.
"With virtually every store participating - boutiques, active wear, gifts, jewelry and galleries - there's something for everyone," adds Town Center Merchants' chair Preston Ranton and general manager of soundRUNNER. "Visit "Discover Branford" on Facebook, then visit us here on Main Street."
For more info about local shopping in these three towns, visit https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverBranford/, https://www.facebook.com/themadisonscene/, and https://www.facebook.com/groups/1716431801926189/.
Click here to see the 2017 Sidewalk Sale flyer.