NORTHAMPTON — One of the city’s most beloved traditions, Sidewalk Sales, returns Thursday, July 24 through Sunday, July 27, to fill the Northampton streets with energy, connection and some of the best local shopping opportunities of the season.
For over four decades, this event has become a highlight of the summer, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience downtown Northampton and what makes it unique in full bloom. Businesses extend their storefronts onto the city’s sidewalks with rare finds, seasonal discounts and signature pieces that reflect the originality and craft behind each small business.
“Northampton’s downtown is something rare — nearly every business is independently owned and you can feel the difference,” said Andrea Monson, executive director of the Downtown Northampton Association. “During Sidewalk Sales, that energy becomes visible. Where else can you browse vintage fashion, explore shelves of esoteric books, pick up ethically sourced crystals and find locally embroidered wildlife-inspired apparel, all in a single walkable afternoon?”
Visitors are encouraged to make a day or a weekend out of Sidewalk Sales. Not only will downtown be filled with extended shopping opportunities, the city’s downtown also invites opportunities for visitors to grab a bite to eat at Summer on Strong, take in a show at the Iron Horse, or spend an hour exploring the city’s growing network of murals or public art.
Monson added, whether it’s discovering a hidden gem or reconnecting with a longtime favorite, the Sidewalk Sales are a chance to see downtown Northampton at its most welcoming and alive.
“It’s really important for the retail community because they’re able to clear out a lot of their merchandise that they’ve been holding onto for the last year or so. It’s really nice merchandise, it’s just something that hasn’t moved,” said Monson. “So, in order for them to purchase products for the following year and the holidays, this event is also important because it allows them to clear some of their inventory and gives them the income to purchase new inventory for the holidays and the following year.”
The vibrancy of the event is echoed by the business owners who help shape it, as testified by Jena Sujat, owner of Pinch. Pinch is a curated crafted goods shop and boutique that sells local and national artists handmade pottery, jewelry and other home goods.
“Here at Pinch, we eagerly anticipate the Northampton Sidewalk Sales every year,” said Sujat. “The Sidewalk Sales have a certain magic about them. Retailers and customers alike are both out in the streets of Northampton, where we are all able to experience the collective heart and vibrancy of downtown as a community. Honestly, here at Pinch, we look at most of the transactions that happen during Sidewalk Sales as little exchanges of joy. Customers experience the joy of landing a great deal, and we experience the joy of interacting with a great crowd of customers out in the heart of town.”
Monson said Northampton is already a supportive community of its businesses and downtown that make it unique, which makes an event like this “imperative” for the public to show its support during Sidewalk Sales.
“All of your favorite shops, and they’re selling all the things that you love at a really good price as a way to really have more purchasing power for the end of the year,” Monson said. “It’s not anything romantic or anything, but it is really important. And the cool thing is, Northampton feels like a little festival during that time.”
Monson noted that more than just retailers make their way through the downtown happenings during the four-day stretch, as local restaurants, coffee shops and vendors who are featured at the city’s farmers market and other city events, will be able to participate in Sidewalk Sales.
“You’ll actually also be able to find new things that maybe you haven’t seen in Northampton but still add to that same landscape,” said Monson. “It has that festival feel and the downtown feels alive too which I think everyone loves to see.”
Monson credited the city of Northampton for its partnership in an event like this with the DNA, adding without city support, an event of this scale would not be possible.
“It’s a whole city event. A lot of the big lift is done by the city of Northampton,” said Monson. “It’s not just the DNA and the retailers, but a lot of credit needs to go to the city. Because they are allowing us to do this. They’re flexible with us. I’ve worked in different cities and not all of them are this hip with it. Genuinely, they want to see the downtown thriving, so I really appreciate that.”
There is still time for outside vendors and local artisans to take part. For details or to reserve a space, contact andrea@nohodna.org. Additional information and a list of participating businesses can be found at nohodna.org or on Instagram and Facebook at @northamptondna.
“This is all being permitted by the city so that the downtown does have this thriving feel. I don’t think you get that kind of feeling in any of the neighboring towns as much because of the way the downtown is condensed and feels like you’re in this little magical Gilmore Girls episode,” said Monson with a laugh. “It’s what makes or breaks a downtown. If the city’s not in the mix of it all, then you have downtown’s that are dying because of that.”
For more information on this year’s Northampton Sidewalk Sales visit northamptonsidewalksales.com.
