Summer Saturdays feature sidewalk sales, outdoor dining in South Orange

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The South Orange Village Center Alliance has announced Summer Saturdays. For three Saturdays in July, downtown retailers will be outside on the sidewalks offering an expanded footprint for easier, socially distanced shopping. Many will offer special sale items, raffles and promotions. The two remaining sidewalk sales will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, July 18 and 25. Fourteen businesses are participating. 

“Sidewalk sales are a great opportunity for retailers to reach customers who want to shop but aren’t ready to come inside. We are thrilled the process has been made easier and are looking forward to seeing if this new way of shopping helps bring customers back,” said Cat Fisher, owner of Sadie’s and Kitchen a la Mode.

SOVCA is encouraging all shoppers to relax and refuel at one of the 24 outdoor dining areas in South Orange. 

“With 24 restaurants adding outdoor seating there are many dining options for those looking to go out to eat,” SOVCA Executive Director Julie Doran said.

Working closely with the South Orange governing body, SOVCA created a task force which includes village administration, the parking authority, fire department and police department, which worked to make it possible for all restaurants to expand their outdoor footprint onto sidewalks and into parking spaces; for retailers to use available sidewalk space; allowing BYOB at sidewalk cafes if establishments desire; and the creation of four curbside pickup zones.

SOVCA encourages everyone to call businesses and check websites for hours and operational procedures as businesses are continuously adjusting based on market demand, weather and operational issues during these challenging times. A directory of dining options, available shopping and other businesses and services can be at southorangecovid19.com/business.

  COVID-19, South Orange Downtown