DENVER -- The Downtown Denver Partnership launched a massive sidewalk sale downtown this weekend in an effort to draw more shoppers to an area hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s really hard to gather people in a safe way right now,” said DDP Senior Manager Emily Tucker. “And this is really about supporting the retailers that are struggling. They’ve told us that they see a real boost by doing things like this.”
One of those retailers is Moda Man Men’s Clothing Boutique. Moda Man has called Denver's iconic Larimer Square home for decades now.
"Moda Man's been around for a while,” said owner Jon Johnson.
And while Johnson has seen many ups and downs, the pandemic is all new.
"It's tough,” Johnson said. “It's been very tough. Mostly people are coming down here really to dine. They're not quite shopping yet."
So, he hopes moving some racks out to the sidewalk will spark some sales.
"I'm excited about anything that's going to drive business and traffic down here," Johnson said.
"I think I've been shopping with Jon the last four or five years,” said Kourtney Woods, who made a point to stop by on Saturday.
"I think it's good to support where you are,” Woods said. “I'm from here — born here, raised here."
That’s exactly what the DDP is hoping for.
"For months now, we've been supporting restaurants with the increased patio space,” Tucker said. “We wanted to do something similar for our retailers."
Expanding on proven success while meeting customers where they are most comfortable right now.
"Meet them outside, on the sidewalk,” Tucker said. “Bring the store outdoors, really."
“It's been really wonderful being here on the square," said Katie Wagner, manager of Qinti, a Peruvian shop on Larimer Square.
“It's one of the finest wools you can get in the world,” said Connor Koldeway, with Qinti. “It's incredible. Super soft, lightweight, durable."
"It's been lovely being outside,” Wagner said. “I feel like a lot more people, including us, we're way more comfortable being outside in the fresh air – in the beautiful Colorado weather.
It's space that just might be the best medicine for all of you looking to get out.
"We can have fun with a sidewalk sale and outdoor dining and kind of persevere through all of this,” Tucker said. “Downtown will be back.”
"I'm looking forward to a fantastic day today," Johnson said.
The Sidewalk Sale continues Sunday, Aug. 23 from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
