Small businesses in Marblehead are getting ready for fresh merchandise and to move onto the spring season with one of the town’s biggest sale event of the year, where locals and non-locals can shop from their favorite stores, from clothing to home furnishings, while enjoying locally made refreshments.
About 14 years ago, the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce retail committee had the idea to hold an indoor sidewalk sale as a way for businesses to clear out their post-holiday winter merchandise.
The idea was to have it all in one place, where local retailers can bring their sale merchandise into one location and promote it as a huge indoor sidewalk sale.
This year, the ten local shops featured include Abbey Studio, Boston Designer Jewelry, Imports, Every Little Breeze Catering, Liz Steinfeld Lingerie, Magic Hat Thrift Shop, MAHRI, Marblehead Sport Shop, Pint Size and Up, Room Tonic and Seaside Allure.
Opened five months before COVID, Room Tonic – a shop that features high-end furniture and home décor embracing styles like Chinoiserie Chip and Palm Beach Regency will be featured for the first time this year, to reintroduce herself to the community.
“I kind of want to introduce myself to people who haven’t been into the shop, with under the impression that we only carry very, very high-end things,” said Susan Bott, owner and head designer of Room Tonic.
At the Sidewalk Sale, customers can enjoy sales starting at $10.
A local business that has made its presence in the huge sale event over the years, is All Chic at 152, which offer on-trend clothing options from the U.S. and Europe. Customers of all ages can shop for designer clothing, custom-made belts, and jewelry from local artists at very affordable prices.
According to Siobhan Phelan, owner of All Chic at 152, the huge sale is an opportunity for small businesses to meet new clients.
“It’s a way for us to number one, sell off our sale items from the previous season, and also a way for us to generate new business because people not only come from Marblehead, they come from other towns,” said Phelan.
Other businesses, like Pint Size and Up, are returning this year, while Seaside Allure and MAHRI have been a part of the huge sale for years, keeping the tradition going.
The indoor sidewalk sale will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Masonic Hall on 62 Pleasant Street in Marblehead.
Some vendors may only accept cash or checks and refreshments will be available for sale by Every Little Breeze Catering.