Annual Cedarhurst sidewalk sale boosts business

Not even a heat wave can deter the shoppers at the annual Village of Cedarhurst Business Improvement District’s four-day Summer Sidewalk Sale.

Shoppers flooded the sidewalks of Central Avenue and its side streets for deals and bargains from retail outlets and restaurants.

Known as the fashion center of Long Island’s South Shore for over 100 years, the commercial streets of Central Cedarhurst were busy over the weekend as people from the Five Towns and beyond shopped at the upscale boutiques and shops.

Over 84 merchants participated in the sidewalk sale on  July 10, 11, 12 and 14.

“I have been doing the sidewalk sale for as many years the sidewalk sale has been in effect,” said Judy Kalatsky, owner of David’s Den. “I have been in this spot in town over 35 years.”

Kalatsky knows the community is grateful for the sale, but those who travel far love it even more.

“It definitely generates a lot of foot traffic and a lot of business for the neighborhood,” Kalatsky said.

Although most of the clientele wears modest clothing, the apparel stores offer deals for most clothing styles.

Linor Azizian, 17, went to the sale with expectations of more frum clothing but was surprised to see all different types of options.

“I see a variety of different types of clothing for how religious you want to be and I like how it has a little bit of everything,” Azizian said.

Jeremy and Cindy Merrill, owners of Dimples, a custom baby gift store, have been participating in the sidewalk sale for 18 years. This was their last, as they are shutting the doors to their business this week.

“We created a gifting category and it’s very much apart of babies being born in this neighborhood,” Jeremy Merrill said.

Their outside tables had the usual baby items and featured items that are being donated to help Israel in the Jewish state’s war against Hamas. They have raised $100,000 for Israel, in the past nine months.

“It’s a very emotional experience, we’re getting rid of whatever we can and donate the rest, we always love the sidewalk sale,” Cindy Merrill said.

She said she is blessed to have been a part of such an incredible and welcoming community and see all the babies grow up.

“It’s the best time of year, you get to see all your amazing customers come and you’re happy to be able to give them the deals,” Cindy said.