What is a sidewalk sale?
Also called: sidewalk days, street sale · Used in United States and Canada
A sidewalk sale is when shops move discounted stock outside onto the sidewalk, often as one town-wide or downtown event on a set weekend. Unlike a garage sale, the sellers are businesses clearing new stock, not households selling their own used belongings.
What it actually means in practice
Downtown associations and business districts often organise sidewalk sales once or twice a year, usually at the end of a season, so every shop on the street puts racks and bins out at the same time. It works like a community sale for stores instead of homes.
The difference from a household garage sale matters to buyers: sidewalk-sale goods are usually new or end-of-line retail stock, cards are normally accepted, and store return rules may still apply. A garage sale is used goods, cash in hand and no returns.
Related terms
Find one near you
Every sidewalk sale posted nearby is on one map, sorted by distance, with dates, hours and photos. Hosting one yourself? Posting is free and takes about two minutes.
Need the rules rather than the words? Permits and signage by state. Back to the full glossary.