Taking it to the Cedarhurst streets

A good business transaction benefits all parties involved and that was an apparent in Cedarhurst for merchants and shoppers alike during the village’s Business Improvement District’s 25th annual summer sidewalk sale last week.

More than 80 shops and restaurants brought their marked down merchandise to the streets and opened their doors to customers along Central and Cedarhurst avenues, on July 17, 18, 19 and for the first time on Sunday, July 21.

“We need the people and the people need us,” said Jerry Cohen, resident of Woodmere and owner of Trees, one of the stores participating in the sale. “People come from all over for three of the busiest days Cedarhurst sees all year.”

Cohen, along with six other merchants, began a sidewalk sale in Cedarhurst 30 years ago. An idea he borrowed from a small town sale in upstate New York.

In past years, the sale ended on Friday afternoon for the Shabbat holiday, however, this year it was extended to include Sunday. “In the past we have received emails from Cedarhurst shoppers who work full time and weren’t able to shop during the event, so they suggested we add Sunday,” said Teri Schure, executive director of the Cedarhurst Business Improvement District.

Sox World Plus, has taken part in the sale for half of its 40-year existence. Owner Alicea Cascio acquired the business from her parents. “The sale allows people to get good bargains and we are able to sell out about 75 percent of our merchandise,” she said.

In addition to the bargain sales, the event includes a lottery for a $1,000 shopping spree for one winner. Jildor, La Toys, Debbie’s Closet, Bib ‘n Tucker, and Five Towns Gifts & Crafts are some of the stores that the raffle winner will have vouchers for. The winner will be chosen at the next board of directors meeting, Schure said.

Five Towns Gifts & Crafts, co-owned by Thomas Wong, participates in both the lottery and sale. He said that entering is as simple as writing down your name and phone number at one of the participating stores.

Hewlett resident Nikki Obshatcko is a lifelong patron of the sidewalk sale who said she enjoys purchasing fashionable merchandise. “I’ve been coming to the sidewalk sale almost my whole life and it is great finding stylish goods that new stores like Jeweler’s Wife have to offer,” she said.

The sale not only looks to bring back long time shoppers from the area, but attract new ones from other communities. Leora Levy isn’t a Five Towns resident but returned to the sale for a second year. “Items are well priced, there is a good variety, and it is a fun event for everyone,” she said.