Bargain hunters in Cedarhurst are rewarded

Stores enjoyed increased sales, customers took advantage of bargains and despite a rain storm on day one and oppressive heat all three days, the 24th annual Sidewalk Sale, sponsored by the Cedarhurst Business Improvement District (BID), was declared a success.

Morton’s, on Central Avenue, participated in the Aug. 1-3, event. North Face jackets were 50 percent off the marked price, and there were men’s pants for $10 and women’s rain boots for $20. “We’ve been selling North Face items all day,” said Eric Engelmen, a sales associate, who said the store was getting a lot of business on the sale’s first day.

Another store on Central Avenue, Jildor Shoes, also fared well on Aug. 1. “We’re getting a lot of traffic; it always brings in extra business,” Frank Falco, the store manager for 11 years said about the sidewalk sale. Jildor was selling spring and summer shoes for 25 percent, 35 and 50 percent off. He said people were buying mostly flip-flops, flats and a couple of boots, which were not on sale. “People are driven in by the sale merchandise, then if they see something they like that’s full price they’ll buy it on impulse,” Falco said.

Down the street at Sherel’s, Omri Amar, the manager, was busy helping customers. “We hope for lots of sales and new customers,” he said. Prior to the sale, he sent out cards to the 8,000 people on his mailing list to inform them about the store’s promotions, such as 30 to 60 percent off select items. “We’re selling a lot of new neon colored turban headbands,” Amar said.

Kimberly Schuckman, a resident of Woodmere, initially came to Cedarhurst just for a beverage. “I came here for an iced coffee but ended up with more than just an iced coffee,” she said, holding a hat and a muffin too.

Devora Stiefel of North Woodmere was part of the shopping frenzy as well. Standing in front of Weiss Stationary, she held a bag with six binders for $5, saying, “How can you go wrong? You can’t find this at Staples!” The manager of Weiss’ Stationary who helped Stiefel, Mike Sheinfeld, said he was “blowing out” a lot of inventory and most of the office supplies outside were half off.

Cindy Merrill, the owner of Dimples, said she wanted to increase awareness of her store and clean out her inventory to prepare for new fall products. Sales associate Lisa Brand said she hoped the store’s merchandise attracted the attention of grandparents.

Cedarhurst resident, Esti Gross, shopped at Dimples for baby gifts. “I always shop at Dimples, it’s a no brainer,” she said.

At Off the Wall, Ben Arington, the creative director, said, “Our business is about becoming acquainted with people, so this is a way for our company to get new customers.” By midday on Aug. 1, he had given away about 200 raffle tickets, with prizes consisting of Off the Wall T-shirts and $25 gift certificates. In addition, there were coupons available for 10 percent off party events.

Anna Dray, the owner of Anna K’s, gets a “major crowd” every year at the sidewalk sale and sells “hundreds of items,” including jewelry for $10 and vintage clothing that were two items for $10.

Much of the merchandise on sale is displayed on the sidewalk, though it rained and was very hot during this year’s event. However, Teri Schure, the executive director of the BID, said: “Thousands of visitors came to Cedarhurst’s famous Sidewalk Sale event this year despite torrential rains on Wednesday and 95-degree weather all three days.”

The BID was founded in 1993 and Schure said it aims “to improve the physical, social, and economic environment of Cedarhurst’s businesses.” It also sponsored a $1,000 Cedarhurst Shopping Spree raffle this year. A winner will be selected at the September BID meeting.