Downtown Naperville heats up with annual Sizzlin' Sidewalk Sale
The streets of downtown Naperville will get a little hotter today as more than 45 stores take their products to the streets for the annual Summer Sizzlin' Sidewalk Sale.
Customers can sift through an eclectic mix of "hot deals and cool styles" between 9 a.m. until dusk today through Sunday. The sidewalk sale, which has become a tradition in Naperville, will span 10 square blocks that include Washington Street, Jackson Avenue, Jefferson Avenue, Webster Street, Chicago Avenue and Main Street.
"It's both a chance for people to see what these various stores have to offer and get a sale," said Katie Wood, executive director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance.
Due to the popularity of the event, the sale, which normally ran Thursday through Saturday, has been extended to Sunday this year making it a four-day event. Not all stores, however, will take part in the Sunday sale.
"There's definitely more traffic (during the sale)," said Kris Hartner, owner of the Naperville Running Co., 20 W. Jefferson Ave., and whose business has participated in the event for 10 years.
The Naperville Running Co. will have racks of shoes, apparel and accessories at discounted prices. Hartner said the sale is a great opportunity for people to get a great deal on the same merchandise that has changed in merely style or color.
He said he expects business to be pretty similar to the past, but isn't sure what role the economy will play.
Melissa Yurco, manager of Perle Jewelers, 8 W. Jefferson Ave., and a longtime participant, has consistently seen a boost in business during the days of the event.
"They really are great deals because it's not old pieces, it's all current," said Lori Cimino, who works at the jewelers.
The store will have its annual half-off sterling silver sale and a few custom 14 karet gold pieces with prices ranging from $5 to $100.
The four-day event not only provides customers with bargains, but also helps the stores involved.
"This is a big event for us," said Greg Degeeter, owner of Dean's Clothing, 226 S. Main St. "This is our opportunity to get rid of our spring and summer merchandise and get ready for the fall."
Seasonal merchandise will be located under a tent outside the store, Degeeter said.
Entertainment will be available from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. today in the Dean's parking lot at Main Street and Jackson Avenue.
For a complete list of participating stores, visit www.downtownnaperville.com.
<p class="factboxheadblack">Summer Sizzlin' Sidewalk Sale</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 9 a.m. to dusk today through Sunday, however not all stores will take part Sunday</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> 10 square blocks of downtown Naperville that include Washington Street, Jackson Avenue, Jefferson Avenue, Webster Street, Chicago Avenue and Main Street</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://www.downtownnaperville.com" target="new">downtownnaperville.com</a></p>