The deals were good, and the streets lined with racks being combed through by customers Saturday in Egg Harbor. The village’s annual sidewalk sale lasted from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with 16 businesses participating. Trustee Lisa Van Laanen, who also owns the Blacksmith Clothing Shop, says Saturdays in the summertime are always hectic, but the sale allows for retailers to reach the different demographics that turn out compared to weekday clientele.

Van Laanen says the sale is timed towards the end of August to allow businesses to clear out spring and summer items in preparation for a change in seasons. She thinks this year is a little bit different since COVID has disrupted many designers. Add in the fact that back-to-school is still uncertain for much of the area, and the retail calendar is muddied. Van Laanen says that many stores are seeing the cost to obtain their apparel drop, which to helps to offset a loss in revenue. A recent Department of Commerce retail sales report shows home building materials and appliances are skyrocketing, but clothing-dependent department stores are still lagging last year by over 10%.