Strolling through the Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale's tents and checking out the clothes, shoes, jewelry, books and fun items for the house is an annual must-do — Photo courtesy of Cherry Creek North
Ads for all kinds of sales come at us from our TVs, mailboxes, newspapers and computers.
But the annual Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale in one of the best shopping districts in all of Denver is one sale that shouldn’t be ignored. This year promises to be better than ever.
For four days in mid-July, the Cherry Creek North shopping district becomes the epicenter of the best retail deals in the "Mile-High City," attracting thousands of savvy shoppers to Cherry Creek's pleasant tree-lined streets.
Wearable art, like these scarves from Artisan Center, might be among the treasures at the Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale — Photo courtesy of Artisan Center
As Lin Patten of Garbarini – a women's designer fashion boutique – notes, the sale accounts for the deepest discounts of the year. But it's also about the breadth and quality of the merchandise.
"I think visitors will be surprised to discover the wide range of designers and brands available, not only at Garbarini but also Cherry Creek North overall," Patten says. "Denver isn’t just denim and fleece!"
Only-in-Denver retailer Hutch & Fig is among the home furnishing stores in the sale — Photo courtesy of Hutch & Fig / Juliska
Participating stores come from every retail category, though most focus on fashion, from casual and hip to upscale couture.
There are also four children’s shops; two art galleries; seven gift retailers; six home furnishing stores; seven shops featuring jewelry and accessories; seven specialty stores; and, not surprising in healthy Denver, five places devoted to sports and fitness, including Club Pilates.
Salons and spas are also represented in the mix, as is Cherry Creek’s Whole Foods Market.
New to the lineup this year are three stores that have only recently arrived on the scene in Cherry Creek North: O2 Aspen, Kouture Consignment and Rags Consignments.
So even if you’ve been to the sale before, each year offers something slightly different.
The sidewalk sale is not just for women; there's plenty to entice savvy male shoppers, including books — Photo courtesy of Cherry Creek North
The Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale is not just for women. It’s also for families and for men looking for something special for the women or children in their lives – or for themselves.
The Hermitage Bookshop carries a broad selection of subjects and categories, including Western, travel, military, children’s literature and hunting and fishing, as well as signed and first editions.
The Vineyard Wine Shop is the place to find a bottle for any occasion. And if costumes, games or toys are the goal, it’s hard to beat The Wizard’s Chest.
Stop in at So Perfect Eats, a gourmet bakery and cafe and a participant in this year's sidewalk sale — Photo courtesy of So Perfect Eats
Options for finding that perfect – and unusual – gift for practically anyone in your life abound. Among the five participating shops specializing in gifts of one kind or another are the fantastically eclectic Artisan Center and the Twisted Tulip, to say nothing of So Perfect Eats and Sugarlicious.
Cherry Creek Dance has apparel and accessories for dancers of all ages, as well as recital costumes — Photo courtesy of Cherry Creek North
The hours of the 2015 Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale event are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Thursday, July 16, through Saturday, July 18, and then 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 19.
When's the best time to go? Garbarini's Patten says that depends.
"For us, the sale unofficially begins Wednesday, when shoppers have the best selection. Prices tend to drop through the remainder of the sale, making Sunday the best deal day. But then, the right size may be gone."
Solution: Get your best shopping strategy on and go for it.
