Sidewalk Sales Boost for Rye Businesses

"We are praying for great weather, no heat-waves!" said Sally Wright of the Rye Chamber of Commerce.

Starting this Thursday, the Annual Sidewalk Sales are back, to raise visibility and traffic for Purchase Street merchants.

Wright says al least 40 merchant and non-profit Chamber of Commerce members are planning to participate in the 4-day event.

In addition to deep discounts on selected merchandise, there will also be fun attractions on Purchase Street like a face painter for children and other surprises.

Surrounding communities have also held Sidewalk Sales events to spur interest in their local business corridors including Mamaroneck and Bronxville in June and Greenwich, CT earlier this month.  

National efforts to raise trafiic for small businesses are on the rise. The Rye Chamber of Commerce recently hosted American Express executive Laura Fink at its annual luncheon. Fink was one of the architects behind Small Business Saturday which was launched in 2010 to direct shoppers to local business during the December holiday season.