It’s hard to believe it has been 15 years since I started the Sidewalk Sale. Like most things, it started very, very small. I can remember calling Angela, who owned Bellacara at the time, and telling her about the idea. She basically was like, “All my makeup will melt outside – you are crazy!” I convinced her to do it anyway; she just set up inside and we got our usual collaborators to take part and it grew from there. Somehow, we even convinced the City to give us free parking on Sidewalk Sale days. Although that ended, the sale has become bigger and bigger every year.

Now Visit Alexandria has taken over the sale so we can include all of Alexandria. It truly is a city-wide event. More than 60 stores participate throughout Old Town and Del Ray. Most of the stores are listed on the Visit Alexandria website, but not all. I admit I am not listed on their site this year, but don’t worry I still participate. It’s a great day for Alexandria. The tables are out and the streets are packed with shoppers. Don’t forget to stop in even if the store doesn’t have a table outside. Sometimes the merchandise lasts when it’s sitting indoors.

The actual sale is Saturday, August 10. Check your favorite stores' social media to see if they have extended hours or to see if they’re starting their sale a little early. At The Hive and Shoe Hive – we do! Our markdowns will start on Thursday, August 8, both online and in-store.

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