By Anastasia M. Millicker
LITTLE SILVER – Shoppers looking for sizzling pre-summer deals can head to Little Silver on Friday, May 18, and Saturday, May 19, for the fourth annual Little Silver Sidewalk Sale.
The sale, hosted by the Little Silver Business and Professional Association, features local shops around Little Silver including Women’s Exchange, Little Silver Family Pharmacy, the Little Silver Library, WellsFargo Bank and Byford & Mills.
The sale, which usually takes place every summer in July, was moved to May this year, said Lori Saybot, president of the Little Silver Business and Professional Association. “It was too hot before,” Saybolt said. “People would just want to go to the beach so we moved it to May and we are hearing great things.”
Little Silver business owners, even those who do not have storefronts, were invited to promote their businesses and introduce themselves to potential customers and other vendors, she said.
Saybolt, also manager of Woman’s Exchange, said the sale has not only drawn new customers but has also brought new volunteers to the store.
The Woman’s Exchange, a nonprofit volunteer-based novelty store, has several tables set-up front filled with decorations and crafts from past holidays at a discounted rate, Saybolt said.
Byford & Mills is offering Le Jacquard Frances linens at 40 percent off and other items, such as Simon Pearce glassware and jewelry, at 50 percent off, said Sue Germain, a retail floor manager of Byford & Mills. “Everyone loves a deal,” Germain said. “In July, it was hot and people just wanted to hit the beach but the kids are still in school and the weather is beautiful. It’s a great deal.”
Marsha Craig, president of Friends of the Little Silver Public Library, said the sale was going “very well” with hardcover books selling for $2.50 and multiple DVDs for $1. All proceeds from the Little Silver Sidewalk Sale are going toward the interior renovations of the Little Silver Public Library, Craig said.
Coleen Otto, a Tinton Falls resident, said she plans on taking advantage of the early season deals and bought a wooden trinket box with a boat on it from Little Silver Family Pharmacy. “It’s great and the weather is beautiful,” Otto said.
Little Silver Family Pharmacy employees Nick Angelucci, an Oceanport resident, and Patrick Noble of Red Bank said many sidewalk sale customers have been their usual customers but sales have been consistent since Thursday when the event began. The pharmacy is offering a 10 percent discount throughout the store and has holiday and pool items at a discounted rate on the sidewalk, Angelucci said.
Mayor Robert C. Neff Jr. said shoppers should be able to find what they need in borough shops.
“The excellence and diversity of our businesses are remarkable. You can indeed find that needed item or service right in Little Silver, so come join the fun,” Neff said.
