From Friday through Saturday, the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Sidewalk Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — the two day event offers discounted merchandise and takes place right outside the storefronts of participating businesses.
The small niche of downtown Hinsdale businesses includes clothing stores, resale boutiques, florists, bakeries, restaurants and other service-oriented shops.
According to Claudia Thornton, Marketing Director for Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce, portions of Washington Street, Hinsdale Avenue, First Street, Garfield Street and Lincoln Street downtown will be blocked off to traffic so retailers can use the space for their racks and tables.
“We closed the streets for the first time last year and it worked really well. It was obviously because of social distancing, but the retailers loved it so much we went ahead and closed the streets off this year as well, otherwise the sidewalks get crowded with the racks out,” she added.
While the Chamber of Commerce hosts the sale, the event sort of “runs itself,” said Thornton. It’s free for businesses to participate and the open-market vibe draws more than just locals.
Indoor shopping at participating businesses is also available and there will be sales both inside and out.
Alixandra Blue, 2 W 1st Street, is having a sale on select jewelry with $10 necklaces, $10 bracelets, $5 earrings and more. Vistro Prime, 112 S. Washington Street, known for their neighborhood steakhouse fare, will sell Chef Paul Virant’s cookbook, jars of preserved vegetables like asparagus, sweet peppers and corn, and their special Vistro Prime steak sauce.
Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery is offering four chocolate chip cookies for $1 at their storefront on 13 W. First Street.
Other businesses joining the sidewalk sale on Friday and Saturday include Meredith Jaye, Kelsey Resale Boutique, Phillips Flowers, Vintage Charm, CryoEffect and several more.
“Last year was a lot different in terms of the sidewalk sale, there was a whole list of rules we had to follow,” Thornton said. “But there aren’t any precautions in place this year except for signs that say if you’re not vaccinated, it’s recommended that you wear a mask. But that’s about it.”