35 vendors ready to set up shop at Wilmette Sidewalk Sale on Friday-Saturday

Looking to support local businesses and save while doing it? Wilmette’s annual sidewalk sale will have you covered with special offers and sales from more than 35 local vendors this weekend.

The specials will kick off at 10 a.m on Friday and Saturday, July 12-13. Shopping ends at 5 p.m. both days, but music and performances will run into the evening. 

The annual event has been filling the intersection of Central and Wilmette Avenue in downtown Wilmette for over a decade. This year’s event will feature a plethora of vendors and performances from local musicians and dancers. 

The fun begins Friday morning with yoga with Karma Collective at 9:30 a.m. on the Village Green. From there, visitors can enjoy stops at one of the downtown’s many breakfast spots and cafes. From 2-5 p.m., there will be live music from pop-up artists, and Good Trouble will perform at 6 p.m.

On Saturday, the events kick off again with Karma Collective yoga at 9:30 a.m. on the Village Green. The morning will also feature the Frog Lady Reptile Show at 10 a.m. And Bluey will be hanging around most of the day.

Performances from the New Trier Junior Cheer Team, Studio North Academy for the Performing Arts, North Shore Music and Skunkworks Dance will occur between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Evening performances begin with Allison and Marc of Antler Chandelier at 3:30 p.m., followed by Rose Lake at 4 p.m. and Michelles at 5 p.m. As the performances end, the Wilmette Chamber of Commerce invites visitors to enjoy the many restaurants in the downtown area for dinner or a sweet treat.

Hosted by the chamber of commerce, the sidewalk sale aims to connect the community and its local businesses. Retailers, artists, service providers and not-for-profits pay to participate by setting up booths or tables in the downtown area.

Chamber Executive Director Jennifer Herren Gatesman said that the sidewalk sale aims to “increase foot traffic, support local merchants and attract individual artists and creators.”  

Herren Gatesman believes that people are choosing Wilmette as a “weekend destination,” and the sidewalk sale allows them to see the town’s beauty. She is most excited to see the local youth performance organizations.

Many local businesses also cherish the event. Hubba Hubba, 1105 Central Ave., has participated in the annual sale for 10 years. Owner Julie Cohen is also a director for the chamber and plans tables and racks outside of Hubba Hubba, featuring summer sales reaching 75% off.

“I think it brings people from neighboring communities, and being that Wilmette is so hopping right now and bustling, it just gets to showcase what is so exciting about downtown,” store manager Jennifer Santo said. 

Just next door at 1107 Central Ave, the YWCA Shop for Good will have sales of up to 25%, as well as $5 jeans and $1 jewelry mystery bags. The shop is a social enterprise of YWCA Evanston/North Shore. According to the YWCA, all of the store’s profits help support its domestic violence, economic advancement and racial justice programs.

“It totally helps boost our business,” YWCA Shops Area Manager Marko Djurovic said. “It’s just two days of fun, bringing people together. We get to see our customers that come in all year anyway but they are all excited to help and support. We get a lot of new customers every year, so it’s a lot of fun.”

Across the street at Bleachers Sports Music and Framing, owner Keith McDonough plans to set up a table. He’s looking forward to selling baseball cards to the kids and engaging with new clients. 

Hanig’s Footwear will be making its downtown Wilmette sidewalk sale debut, having recently moved from Plaza de Lago to 1181 Wilmette Ave. Owner Daniel Hanig is thrilled about being involved and plan to have a table with merchandise up to 75% off.

The sunny weekend forecast guarantees an ideal chance for the community to chat with local businesses and find great bargains. 

Below are all the expected vendors for Wilmette’s sidewalk sale, as provided by Herren Gatesman.

• Pediatric Dentistry Specialists
• Hubba-Hubba
• YWCA Shop for Good
• Skunkworks Dance
• North Shore Exchange
• Cyclebar
• Optimum Fitness
• Fonseca Martial Arts
• Bleachers Sports, Music, and Framing
• Complete Chiropractic and Rehab
• Wild Child
• Smita Creations
• Studio North Academy of the Performing Arts
• Blankets by Beth
• Matthew Klujian and Sons
• Lambrecht’s Jewelers
• Patrician Gallery and Gatherings
• Chantilly Lace Lingerie
• Hanig’s Footwear
• Secure Futures
• La Colonna/Giggles & Giraffes
• Yellow Bird Stationery
• Music Institute of Chicago
• New Trier Democrats
• Go Green Wilmette
• George Rafeedie
• Lebo’s Sportscards
• Oto Float Center
• Emmai Adams
• Wilmette Kenilworth Chamber
• North Shore Music 
• @Properties
• Hmong Tapestry Needle Works
• Custom HT Designs
• Karma Collective
• Vibrato Boutique

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