(Aug. 11, 2016) Berlin’s longest running event, the 64th annual Berlin Sidewalk Sale, returns this week with more than a dozen vendors expected to take part, Aug. 12-14.
Organizer Steve Frene, from Victorian Charm, said the sale dates back to 1952, when clothing store Style Guide and other shops in and around the downtown area would set up stock outside each year, at deep discounts.
“We have a need at the end of summer to make room for fall fashions,” he said. “Our store is very much into seasons – whether it’s clothing, or even jewelry and handbags all reflect the season. So, we have a need to get rid of things or pack them away, and that’s what Style Guide would do – just bring out racks and racks of clothes on Main Street.”
Today, Frene said he and his wife Debbie have taken up the torch to help organize the massive three-day sale. Some merchants will set up shop on Main Street, while others will participate in spirit, offering special discounts inside the stores.
“We have people who, for years, would always set their vacation around the sidewalk sale. We always do it the second weekend in August,” he said. “Most people are going to participate in one way or another. If they can’t do a little table, they’ll have sidewalk sales in stores.”
At Victorian Charm, on 100 North Main Street, Frene said the big-ticket item would likely be Vera Bradley products, including backpacks and totes, which will all be “at least 50 percent off.”
Sea La Vie, on 111 Artisan’s Way, will sell summer clothing at up to 50 percent off. Co-owner Hunter Smith said she was not sure if they would set up a table.
“We’ll probably just have it right here on our patio,” she said.
At Nest, on 11 South Main Street, owner Dee Gilbert said lamps and rugs would be discounted heavily, although she plans to stay inside the store because of staffing concerns.
Emily Cook Vocke, owner of Heart of Gold Kids on 27 North Main Street, will feature summer clothes, including t-shirts, tanks, dresses and accessories.
“It’s my first sidewalk sale – and the first sale I’ve ever done,” she said. “We’ve got some good stuff and we’re really excited.”
The opening day of the sidewalk sale coincides with Berlin’s 2nd Friday art stroll, which runs from 5-8 p.m.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for people to save some money on both back to school and Christmas,” Frene said. “For a lot of people this is the mark of their first Christmas shopping of the year where they can buy great products at a great price, get a really nice Christmas present and you don’t have to spend a lot of money.
“And it gets people to come to Berlin,” Frene added. “With the Sidewalk Sale on arts night, it’s just all the more beautiful. It’s always a great night on arts night with all the artists and the music, with all the shops and sales this year it should really be a nice evening. We’re hoping to create and evening retail and dining experience that gives everyone a little taste of the big city, where people are out later.”
Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14.
Participating merchants include Victorian Charm, Sea La Vie, Nest, Heart of Gold Kids, Siculi Rustic Italian Kitchen, World of Toys, Main Street Sweets, Bleached Butterfly, Stuart’s Antiques, Beez Kneez, Toy Town Antiques, Uncle Jon’s Soaps, Bungalow Love, Bruder Hill, Patty Jean’s Boutique, On What Grounds Coffee Shop and Maryland Wine Bar.
For more information and an updated list of participants, search “Victorian Charm” on Facebook.
Organizer Steve Frene, from Victorian Charm, said the sale dates back to 1952, when clothing store Style Guide and other shops in and around the downtown area would set up stock outside each year, at deep discounts.
“We have a need at the end of summer to make room for fall fashions,” he said. “Our store is very much into seasons – whether it’s clothing, or even jewelry and handbags all reflect the season. So, we have a need to get rid of things or pack them away, and that’s what Style Guide would do – just bring out racks and racks of clothes on Main Street.”
Today, Frene said he and his wife Debbie have taken up the torch to help organize the massive three-day sale. Some merchants will set up shop on Main Street, while others will participate in spirit, offering special discounts inside the stores.
“We have people who, for years, would always set their vacation around the sidewalk sale. We always do it the second weekend in August,” he said. “Most people are going to participate in one way or another. If they can’t do a little table, they’ll have sidewalk sales in stores.”
At Victorian Charm, on 100 North Main Street, Frene said the big-ticket item would likely be Vera Bradley products, including backpacks and totes, which will all be “at least 50 percent off.”
Sea La Vie, on 111 Artisan’s Way, will sell summer clothing at up to 50 percent off. Co-owner Hunter Smith said she was not sure if they would set up a table.
“We’ll probably just have it right here on our patio,” she said.
At Nest, on 11 South Main Street, owner Dee Gilbert said lamps and rugs would be discounted heavily, although she plans to stay inside the store because of staffing concerns.
Emily Cook Vocke, owner of Heart of Gold Kids on 27 North Main Street, will feature summer clothes, including t-shirts, tanks, dresses and accessories.
“It’s my first sidewalk sale – and the first sale I’ve ever done,” she said. “We’ve got some good stuff and we’re really excited.”
The opening day of the sidewalk sale coincides with Berlin’s 2nd Friday art stroll, which runs from 5-8 p.m.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for people to save some money on both back to school and Christmas,” Frene said. “For a lot of people this is the mark of their first Christmas shopping of the year where they can buy great products at a great price, get a really nice Christmas present and you don’t have to spend a lot of money.
“And it gets people to come to Berlin,” Frene added. “With the Sidewalk Sale on arts night, it’s just all the more beautiful. It’s always a great night on arts night with all the artists and the music, with all the shops and sales this year it should really be a nice evening. We’re hoping to create and evening retail and dining experience that gives everyone a little taste of the big city, where people are out later.”
Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14.
Participating merchants include Victorian Charm, Sea La Vie, Nest, Heart of Gold Kids, Siculi Rustic Italian Kitchen, World of Toys, Main Street Sweets, Bleached Butterfly, Stuart’s Antiques, Beez Kneez, Toy Town Antiques, Uncle Jon’s Soaps, Bungalow Love, Bruder Hill, Patty Jean’s Boutique, On What Grounds Coffee Shop and Maryland Wine Bar.
For more information and an updated list of participants, search “Victorian Charm” on Facebook.