Start Your Engines! Greenwich Sidewalk Sales, the “Largest Shopping Event of the Year” Start on Thursday!

Written by Elizabeth Casolo. Photos by Stella Santini, GHS class of 2021

The Greenwich Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the return of the Greenwich Sidewalk Sales this July.

According to Marcia O’Kane, president and CEO of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, this year’s Sidewalk Sale Days—taking place from Thursday, July 8 through Sunday, July 11—will be “the largest outdoor shopping event in all of the state of Connecticut.” 

“Don’t forget to bring your quarters for parking, your comfortable shoes and your enthusiasm,” Ms. O’Kane said.

Still, if someone opts to wear heels, discounted sneakers will not be hard to come by. Every application submitted by a Central Greenwich business—including a plethora of apparel stores—has been accepted thus far. Participating stores will mark down excess inventory, and some will offer free refreshments. 

“There is pent up demand from both retailers and shoppers,” O’Kane said.

Millie Harris is a store manager at Gretchen Scott Designs who is transferring to the new Faherty Brand store, both of which are on Greenwich Avenue. Ms. Harris acknowledged how consumers are ready for some excitement on the Avenue, especially as Connecticut progresses with its Covid recovery. 

Marcia O’Kane, president and CEO of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce. Photo: Stella Santini

“I think it kind of breaks us out of Covid,” Harris said. “I think that this is a good time for everyone to just come out and socialize.”

O’Kane strives for Greenwich to become “a destination” for the event. Non-Greenwich residents have been contacting the town’s Chamber of Commerce, requesting restaurant and accommodation recommendations during the Sidewalk Sale Days.

Harris said, “I think what Sidewalk Sales represents is a huge amount of exposure for every business… There are customers coming from all over.” 

In previous years, Sidewalk Sales accounted for over 50 percent of some stores’ annual profits, O’Kane said. Considering how the Sales did not take place in 2020, this year’s event is a major opportunity for both small and large businesses to flourish.

Although parking on Greenwich Avenue will be limited, O’Kane encourages attendees to visit the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce’s website to see parking options off the main strip.

Hours will vary store to store, but the Sidewalk Sale Days from Thursday through Saturday generally take place from 9:00am to 6:00pm. The final day of the Sidewalk Sales will go from 10:00am to 5:00pm. For more information, please visit greenwichchamber.com.