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Plenty of fun at Glencoe Sidewalk Sale
Laura Merlo helps Courtney Burk make some selections from Merlo's clothing line, Second Cut, during Glencoe's annual sidewalk sale on June 29. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: August 6, 2012 6:42AM
GLENCOE — Despite the rainy weather, vendors and shoppers charged on for this year’s Sidewalk Sale.
Although Friday morning thunderstorms forced many shop owners to throw tarps over their wares, people quickly came outside again searching for summer deals and to chat with local business owners.
Linda Illes, owner of Books on Vernon, explained it is relatively easy for storefront shops to set up for Glencoe’s annual event. Depending on the store, sometimes the staff buys items specifically chosen for the Sidewalk Sale. Yet often it is a chance for retailers to mark down seasonal goods and excess inventory. Illes said they would be mostly selling out of print or damaged books along with accumulated Christmas decorations they are trying to sell in anticipation of a new holiday window display. “It changes from year to year, but there is always a variety of things offered,” said Illes.
At Olsky Jewelers, the staff specifically purchases goods for the Sidewalk Sale instead of selling overstock. Manning the table was associate Donna Strauss who explained that most of the setting up effort involves pricing their beautiful selection of necklaces, bracelets and earrings. A natural gemstone necklace that is usually priced at $89. was available for only $12.99, an example of the great deals that draw customers to the event.
Independent vendors also come in and sell their goods from tables set up across the downtown area. There were a great variety of items offered this year from clothing to children’s games. At The Flower Shop, items inside the store were up to 50 percent off, while Marcus Opticians was sponsoring the Tails of Hope dog rescue organization, and crowds gathered around the store windows where dogs up for adoption were featured.
Foodstuffs Gourmet Foods and Catering even set up an outdoor grill serving hamburgers and hotdogs for customers walking by during the eventful weekend that is always a highlight for the Glencoe community.
