The annual Sidewalk Sales is Geelong’s largest sale day – the day people flock to the streets to snap up some once-off bargains from local retailers. Held on Melbourne Cup Day, this year sees more than 200 local businesses participating. So before you start pouring the bubbly on race day, head into town and take advantage of all the one-day-only deals. A trader hub will be located at the corner of Moorabool and Ryrie Streets offering further special offers, pop up shops and sale items.
Along with all the great sales and discounts, there will also be a range of entertainment to enjoy along the way. Live music performances will be filling the streets, with soul big band Sweethearts, cast members from Footlight Productions, and roving musicians. A Kids Zone with horse riding and craft activities will keep the little ones occupied while you relax and head to the Pamper Zone in Little Malop Central for free mini massages, manicures and hair ups with Aromatic Discovery, The Centre of Excellence Hair Dressing & Beauty College, Crescent Nail Salon and Victorian Fitness Academy.
Shopping can be a tiring exercise, so keep fuelled up with the range of food options and alfresco dining. Here you will find delicious street eats from The Hot Chicken Project, Pistol Pete’s Food n Blues, Mad Kitchen Asian Food, The Workers Club, Sedap Corner, Tomodachi, Coffee Cartel and Geelong Cellar Door. And if you’re after something a bit sweet, Armageddon Cake and James Street Bakery have you sorted!
Aside from bringing out a number of specials from local businesses, it also sees them trading on the sidewalks, adding some life and excitement to your shopping experience.
Why Shop Local
With thousands of shoppers flocking to the streets, it’s an exciting day both for the race itself and the opportunities it gives to local retailers. The places we shop, where we eat and where we indulge, all make up a part of our community home, especially the unique one-of-a-kind businesses that locals know and love.
As local businesses are usually owned by people who live in this community, it is clear there is an invested interest in the community’s future and local shopping needs – especially as many carry a higher percentage of locally-produced goods and use local services themselves to help run their business.
Buying from locally-owned businesses is not only good for our local retailers, but it’s a great way to generate and strengthen the economic impact for our own community. Basically, when you buy locally, the local city sales tax revenue is derived from the purchases you make. This money is then recycled back to the community.
For those who aren’t heading up to Melbourne for the races, it’s a great way to stay entertained, support local businesses and, of course, save some money with the sales. However, a range of venues around the CBD will be broadcasting the action from Flemington.
For a full list of the businesses involved, race deals and locations visit the website and find the complete “form guide” here.
When & Where: Various locations in Geelong – November 1
