photo by: Mike Yoder

Early shoppers, many wearing masks, attend the sidewalk sale Thursday, Sept. 9.

Organizers of the Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale say the cooler weather led to a steadier stream of shoppers throughout the day Thursday for the annual event, which usually occurs in July.

The 61-year tradition was canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the Downtown Lawrence Inc. board decided to move this year’s sale from July to September to avoid the intense heat of midsummer and to allow retailers to catch up on their inventory following supply-chain issues related to the pandemic.

Downtown Lawrence Inc. Executive Director Sally Zogry said that though there were probably fewer shoppers overall than pre-pandemic sidewalk sales, everyone seemed happy to see the return of the event.

“People were glad to be out and the businesses were glad to be out,” Zogry said.

As in previous years, the sale ran from sunup to sundown. Zogry said a similar number of businesses participated as compared to past years, but fewer businesses opted to open at dawn and there were fewer shoppers during the earliest hours of the sale than in years past. She said that due to staffing shortages and adjustments businesses have made amid the pandemic, some businesses opened later than they did in past sales, with some opening as late as 10 a.m.

Zogry said businesses needed to do what worked for them, and all things considered, most downtown merchants she spoke to said they were pleased with the turnout. Regarding the September date for the sale, Zogry said shoppers and merchants alike said they loved the cooler weather, which she said seemed to keep downtown busier throughout the day.

“All that aside, it’s been steady,” Zogry said. “I would say that the afternoon definitely felt busier to us than in other years when it’s so beastly hot. Usually around 1:30 p.m. it just comes to a halt, then might pick up after work.”

As far as sales go, Zogry said one retailer told her that this year’s sales were about 70% of 2019’s sales, and two retailers said they sold about as much as in 2019. She said that according to one retailer, a few shoppers said the heat had been keeping them from coming to the sale in recent years.

As businesses continue to adjust to the pandemic and all the challenges it has brought their way, Zogry said any level of support shoppers provided to local business during the sale was appreciated and important.

“We do appreciate everybody who comes out,” Zogry said. “We appreciate every single person and every single purchase.”

As for the timing of next year’s sale, Zogry said Downtown Lawrence Inc. would send out a survey to merchants to get their initial feedback and the ultimate decision would likely be made after the holiday shopping season.