By Chéye Roberson
Sentinel Correspondent
Over 140 stores and restaurants will offer drastically slashed prices during this year’s highly anticipated Greenwich Avenue Sidewalk Sales, hosted by the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce.
The annual event will kick off Thursday and run through Sunday.
“We’ve been involved for almost 10 years,” said Justine Olynick, a Sales Associate at Wish List. “People are so excited about the sales. There are tons of crowds especially on the first day. We have sale items as low as 70 percent off.
“One of the most fun parts is that you get to be out, see everyone coming and going on Greenwich Avenue and really feel a part of an event,” added Olynick. “It’s a great way to get some pieces for summer and even buy for next summer.”
Kirsten Maas, an Assistant Manager of Theory, describes the event as widely popular. “It’s incredible how fast the weekend blows through,” said Maas. “It’s the most people I’ve seen in town ever.”
Maas, who has worked on Greenwich Avenue for many years, said she thoroughly enjoys the event.
“It’s nice to see new customers that haven’t come to the store before,” said Maas.
The sidewalk sales will also offer live music and fun for the kids. There will be tables for face painting and balloon art provided by Faces By Wells and Party Talent.
“We encourage families to come and make it a daily event,” said Marcia O’Kane, President and CEO of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce.
The JD Southard Band will perform live on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., followed by a performance from Barbara Occhino on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.
Both performances will take place in front of the Board of Education on Greenwich Avenue.
“We want people to know that it’s a great time to shop for bargains and discounts, find new stores and experience a shopping extravaganza,” said O’Kane. “This event is a mantra of wanting everyone to shop local.”
The Greenwich Chamber of Commerce will have a table in front of TD Bank during the Sidewalk Sale that will have lollipops for kids, a chance to find out about upcoming sales throughout the year and a sign-up to volunteer in future town events.
O’Kane said that she promises a full day of shopping, dining, and entertaining the family.
“I love the Sidewalk Sales,” said Sebastian Camacho. “Usually it’s great weather and brings a lot of people around. It’s always a fun time. They set up some really great tents. It’s fun to walk up and down the Ave.; whole bunch of people, whole bunch of stores. You see a whole bunch of new things that you normally don’t see. So, I’m excited.”
Steven Terifay, an employee of Rugby and Soccer Imports said he can’t wait to hang out outside all day long and meet people.
The furniture store Cocoon, which has recently moved from West Putnam Avenue to Greenwich Avenue will offer “tremendous discounts… just huge discounts, considerably more than 50 percent,” said Cocoon owner Mitchell Sigel.
Sigel has noticed that you do not have to live in Greenwich to be a regular at the annual sidewalk sales.
“A lot of out-of-towners mostly come looking for stores with high quality merchandise for reasonable prices,” Sigel said.
Sigel said Cocoon products are all made of natural material different shells, coconut, banana bark and other all organic natural products.
O’Kane encourages the pubic to come out and discover Greenwich retailers during this year’s Greenwich Avenue Sidewalk Sale event.
For more information on the upcoming Sidewalk Sales contact the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce at 203-869-3500 or visit Greenwichchamber.com.
