ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Back-to-school shoppers and bargain hunters have a chance to save this weekend at a sale that could benefit businesses as much as consumers.
The 12th annual Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale has officially begun. Organizers hope the event draws customers to businesses still battling the economic effects of the pandemic.
"The focus is to come out and support local," said Amy Eggers with the Del Ray Business Association. "It's been so important throughout the past months and now they really need our help."
Nearly 70 businesses of all different types are taking part in the sale. You can find a full list of participants here and a map showing their locations here.
Many participants will offer "deeply discounted summer merchandise," according to Visit Alexandria's communications manager Rebecca Doser.
The sale lasts through the weekend and features vendors in both Old Town and Del Ray.
Produce sellers at the weekly Del Ray Farmers' Market were involved too, though only on Saturday.
"Having farmers markets open and available to the public and allowing us as vendors to come here and give people access to this food is really important," said Nathan Gregg of Fork and Hoe Farm.
Organizers hope the Sidewalk Sale gives a boost to the businesses that form the backbone of the area, especially after all the challenges they've had to endure throughout the pandemic.
"They define our community with the residents," said Eggers. "Without our retailers, we would have no main street. Without main street, we would have no Del Ray."
"Folks that realized it was important last year should realize it's even more important now and really come out and support folks during Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale," said Doser.
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