When Stacey Vlagos and Mary Koutavas heard the Elmhurst City Centre was holding a sidewalk sale, they knew they would patronize it.

The friends had visited some of the city’s boutiques before and decided that the discounted prices were a reason to return.

“We were here once before and we liked it, so we decided to come back for the sale,” Vlagos said.

Held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 18 and 19, the sale returned after a hiatus of a few years, said Mimi Stojsavljezic, event coordinator for the Elmhurst City Centre.

“The sidewalk sale was great. We had a lot of people down here and a lot of activity,” Stojsavljezic said. “It was definitely a successful event. This was the first year in a few years that we’ve returned to a standalone sale. It used to be part of the Uptown Downtown Block Party.”

About 50 merchants — comprised of clothing businesses, restaurants and other stores — set tables outside of their stores during the sale. Tricia Larsen, a photographer with WMD Photography on York Street, said the event seemed to be increasing business.
“Seeing the people come by and checking out the store, it makes advertising better,” Larsen said. “It gets people out and walking around.”

Stojsavljezic said merchants reported an increase of sales after the event ended. Saturday’s rain also did not affect the sale, she said.

Patty Jedike of Incite on York Street said she hopes the sale comes back next year, which Stojsavljezic said is a possibility.

“I wish we did this more often,” Jedike said. “It’s very positive for the City Centre, and it’s a fun and great thing.”