ELIZABETHTOWN — People will be pounding the pavement Labor Day weekend — not looking for a job, but in search of something else — the ultimate bargain at the annual Labor Day Sidewalk Sale in downtown Elizabethtown.

“This is my favorite sale of the year,” said Fisher’s Men’s Shop owner Mike Suggs. “People can shop early for Christmas or get things for immediate use.”

Discounts for the event run as deep as 90 percent. All the merchandise from Fisher’s on the sidewalk will be from 50 to 90 percent off, including both summer and fall items from brand-name companies like Southern Tide and Fish Hippie. Short-sleeve knit shirts will be half price, as will a variety of flip-flops and other shoes.

“It’s a good time to shop, because you get to choose between summer goods and fall goods — they’re both covered there,” said Suggs.

Tina Merritt-Smith, owner of Fowler Jewelry, encouraged people to take advantage of the annual sale for an additional reason.

“It’s nice to be able to go to large towns, but shopping local offers a level of personal care that you’re not going to get other places,” she said. “You get more one-on-one service. We have customers that always drive from Lumberton just to shop here.”

Fowler Jewelry will offer Citizen Eco-Drive watches at 25 percent off, QALO bands starting at $14.99, and diamond concept earrings $15.99 and up, and Zenzii merchandise will be discounted 10 percent. The store will be offering zero percent interest financing, and customers who sign up for the financing will receive a free gift. Layaway for Christmas is also available.

“People are out shopping for school supplies anyway,” said Merritt-Smith, “and this is a great opportunity to either pick up something nice for themselves or start shopping early for Christmas.”

“It’s always a good time to shop for antiques,” said Jane Priest, co-owner of Main Street Treasures.

The extended forecast calls for daily highs ranging from the upper 80s to mid 90s for the holiday weekend, which might favor commerce in her store for a new reason this year.

“We started selling Hershey’s ice cream earlier this summer,” said Priest, encouraging folks to come to the sale and stop in when they’re ready for a break. She also noted that she does monogramming, including bookbags, even if the items aren’t bought in her store.

“I do all the monogramming myself, and can offer a good price,” said Priest.

In addition, Main Street Treasures will be offering 20 percent off of everything on the sidewalk.

The days of the sale vary from merchant to merchant, so shoppers are encouraged to check with stores about the days they will be participating. In general, however, the Labor Day Sidewalk Sale will run Friday, Sept. 2, through Monday, Sept. 5.

Chrysta Carroll can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

By Chrysta Carroll

ccarroll@civitasmedia.com