Even without throngs of tourists filling the boardwalk, residents should expect a little less walking room on the sidewalks this weekend.

As the 25th annual Spring Sidewalk Sale kicks off this weekend, Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce President Carol A. Everhart said visitors should expect some great deals and merchants can expect to clear additional retail space for new summer merchandise.

"Originally (sidewalk sales) were created to bolster visitation during a time when we didn't have much," Everhart said. "The sales just remained so popular that (they are) still in place."

Both the fall and spring sidewalk sale weekends draw as many as 100,000 visitors to the area in good weather, she said, making the event an important economic buoy for local merchants.

With daytrippers spending roughly $100 each day and overnight visitors doubling that figure, the sale makes an impact on the local economy quickly, she said.

These figures mean the sidewalk sale can put as much as $15 million into the local economy, if the weather cooperates.

Chamber Event Coordinator Elizabeth Beck said with the outlets and virtually all of downtown Dewey and Rehoboth beaches participating in the sidewalk sale, it has become a destination event.

"People definitely do come into the town for it and a lot of the shops also advertise saying 'don't forget the sidewalk sale," Beck said. "It's good for (merchants) to get rid of unsold merchandise to create space."

For Carlton's -- a 48-year old upscale clothing store on Rehoboth Avenue -- owner Trey Kraus said the bi-annual sale is mutually beneficial, with merchants unloading unsold products and consumers reaping the benefit of steep discounts.

"It allows current customers and occasional customers to pick up some exceptional values on products twice a year," Kraus said. "As much as we would like to be perfect, it is inevitable there will be surplus. What the sidewalk sale does is offer quality merchandise at outlet prices."

This year, Kraus said his store is also donating part of their proceeds to the Bee Medical Foundation.

"It's a big community event and it is extremely crowded, rain or shine," Kraus said. "The bargain hunters should pray for rain because it is less crowded and there is a better selection -- and parking."

source: delawareonline.com