Rye Sidewalk Sale Begins Thursday

Rye bargain hunters will have a lot to choose from when Rye's Annual Sidewalk Sale begins Thursday.

The sale is a three-day event, which ends on July 31. Merchants throughout the city, from Lester's Clothing store to the consignment shop Rhythm in Rye, will be participating and offering discounts as high as 75 percent, according to Rye Chamber of Commerce president Lisa Summa-Guarino.

The sidewalk sale will also feature a giveaway by Blue Monster Promotion and a debut of the company's EULB apparel line and designer bags. Tutta Bella Salon and Spa will be having two raffles and shoppers have the opportunity to win either $25 off their next facial or a free hair treatment.

Frankie and Johnnies Steakhouse also will be giving out sliders and fries on Friday, July 30. Several of Rye's non-profit organizations will also have booths to provide shoppers with information about the services and events they offer.

Summa-Guarino said not every store will participate during all three days of the sale. With the economy affecting many small businesses, the sidewalk sale should help Rye business owners showcase the various products and services they offer, she said.

"The sidewalk sale was initially created to do just that," she said, referring to how the event can help merchants even in the midst of the economic downturn. "People depend on this as a way for new visitors to come experience something in Rye." 

Summa-Guarino said the event will likely begin at 8:30 a.m. and last well into the evening, although it is at the discretion of  business owners to decide how long they would like to stay open.

"I'm hoping to see a really good turnout," she said. "We do expect more people to come to Rye and give a boost to local merchants."