Shoppers muscle their way to deals

Heat index hits 111

Clara Kundin wasn’t afraid to push people around for a new outfit.

“I can shove people,” the 15-year-old Lawrence resident said.

That’s the way it was at some stores downtown Thursday as thousands of shoppers streamed in for the annual Sidewalk Sale.

Kundin and her friends had to stay strong at Urban Outfitters, where, in the early morning, deep discounts spurred a fashion frenzy.

“It was like a mosh pit,” Kundin said.

The temperature reached 99 degrees by 3 p.m. with a heat index of 111 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The Lawrence area is under a heat advisory until Sunday evening.

For most of the day, sizzling temperatures did not deter legions of bargain hunters rustling through piles of clothes and scouring tables for deals.

“It’s a tradition,” said Meika Potter, 20, who woke at 5 a.m. to hit the sales before the sun came up.

As of 3 p.m. there were no heat-related emergencies, said Bill Stark, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical battalion chief. Lawrence police also reported no incidents connected to the sale, said Capt. Dave Cobb.

In the peak heat of the afternoon, crowds tapered a bit.

For merchants, it was one of the best days of the year.

“I’d put today on the top of Christmas and Thanksgiving,” said Matt Furse, a manager of Britches Clothing Co., 843 Mass.

Kate Tucker, a sales associate at American Eagle Outfitters, 619 Mass., sat atop a ladder outside the store most of the day.

She was on the lookout for shoplifters, which she calls “street rats.” Staff had a code word: Art. If they spotted a shoplifter, they were supposed to say it, and a higher-up would nab the thief.

As she sat guard, Tucker wore headphones that gave frequent updates of how much money the store was making.

“It’s like the stock market in my ear,” she said.

For shoppers, it was serious business.

Carly Waugh came in from Topeka.

She survived the scene at American Eagle Outfitters. She said a bit of madness was expected at the Sidewalk Sale.

“Everyone’s out for the best bargain,” she said. “If someone’s in the way, they’re definitely not the priority.”

Laura Johnson, a Gap employee, said she was there to help customers. But, sometimes, shoppers didn’t need help.

“People have a different mentality on days like this,” she said. “It’s a mindset. … They’ve got their own system.”

The sounds of country music, live music and radio DJs filled the street. Shoppers yelled out prices. Vendors sold hot dogs and soda.

Activists and charitable organization volunteers also took to the streets to rally for their causes.

Chris Paradies, a Lawrence High student, gathered with other young people to launch a petition drive to repeal Lawrence’s fireworks ban. Paradies had collected more than 500 signatures by early afternoon. The goal was to collect 10,000.

He said the public reception was good.

“We just want to make it clear to the City Commission that the rest of the city is against (the ban),” he said.

The drive will take more than one day. Paradies said he would continue to collect signatures going door-to-door and setting up a booth in public spaces.

Down the street, members of Citizens for Progressive Democracy collected signatures for a petition opposing John Roberts, President Bush’s Supreme Court nominee.

The group, supported by MoveOn.org Political Action, carried signs that said “Get Informed” and “We deserve better.”

“Our purpose is to get the progressive voice heard,” said Mininder Kaur, a member.

Deborah McMullen worked at a table for Toys for Tots. Passersby dropped donations in jars. The agency gives holiday presents to children and families in need.

“We’re here to make people aware that Christmas is 12 months a year when it comes to giving to children,” McMullen said.