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 (Tuesday November 6), businesses right across Central Geelong will trade on the footpath, offering a huge range of special offers and sale items with many more offering in-store specials as part of the Central Geelong Shopping Festival and Sidewalk Sales.
Before you start pouring the bubbly on race day, head into town and take advantage of all the one-day-only deals. A event hub will be located in Little Malop Street Central offering further special offers, pop up shops, sale items and a range of entertainment to enjoy along the way. Here you’ll find live music performances from the big band soul sound of The Sweethearts, a ‘Garden Party’ area with a range of pop up versions of some of Central Geelong businesses including Lushious Australia, Kaisercraft, Rook Sri Lankan Fusion and more; a ‘Pamper Marquee’; offering free mini make up touch ups, hair ups and more from Invoque, The Centre of Excellence Hairdressing & Beauty College, and even a ‘Kids Zone’ featuring ride on horses and crafts from Urban Upcycle for the kids .
There will also be a hub up the other end in Little Malop Street West that will include a ‘Sweet Street’ with pop-up’s with Armageddon Cake and more, a ‘Fashion Parade’ featuring Own.Kind and meet and greets Ambassador Anna Teague, Geelong Cats AFLW player.
Shopping can be a tiring exercise, so keep fuelled up with the range of food options and alfresco dining in the central Geelong area. 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, Big Ears, Tomodachi, Coffee Cartel and Geelong Cellar Door. And if you’re after something a bit sweet James Street Bakery have you sorted! Some will also have some lunch specials so make sure you check it out!
Photo at Blondie
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.
What’s more, 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. It’s a win win situation if you ask us!
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 so you can still keep an eye on your winning horses.
For a full list of the businesses involved, race deals and locations visit www.centralgeelong.com.au/sidewalksales
Feature photo taken at The Inn.
