The Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual “City Sidewalk Sale” this weekend, when many chamber businesses will offer special discounts to entice residents to shop and dine locally.
Hailey Anderson, director of membership development at the chamber, said holding the sidewalk sale the first week of summer allows shops to move summer inventory in preparation for the fall.
“With Murray State starting back here in the next couple weeks and the schools starting back, as well, people are looking for those new outfits to go back to school and really trying to refresh their wardrobes and what not,” Anderson said.
Anderson said supporting local businesses is important so owners can not only provide for their staff and families but also invest further in the community.
“I know a lot of our local businesses are the first ones to volunteer when a nonprofit needs a donation or when schools need something,” Anderson said. “We really want to encourage keeping all of our dollars here in our community if at all possible.”
This year marks a return to in-person shopping for the sidewalk sale after the chamber encouraged online shopping through local retailers last year.
“I think I speak for most everyone that we’re excited to be back open and in business,” Anderson. “As things continue to be unknown, as each day is pretty flexible, they’re all still adapting.”
Flowers by Whitney has participated in the City Sidewalk Sale for the past 15 years and is offering 50-75% off various items this weekend. Owner Whitney Cooper said the sale enables businesses to get in touch with locals before the summer ends.
“Definitely support all our small businesses so that we stay open and keep going,” Cooper said.
