The North Shore Merchants Collective is positioning its annual spring sidewalk sale to align with Chattanooga's new HATCH Arts Festival Saturday and Sunday, April 14-15. First held in 2007 in conjunction with the opening of the Market Street Bridge, the sale continues its tradition of promoting shopping on the North Shore as an added attraction for those attending downtown events.
"Every business is doing their own thing," said Juliane O'Neal, owner of Frankie & Julian's on Frazier Avenue, of the 50-plus member merchants participating in the sale.
Most will offer deals and discounts, she said, such as Frankie & Julian's drawing to win $100 off the total price of merchandise.
"One of their main member objectives is to support shopping local and locally owned businesses," said O'Neal of the North Shore Merchants Collective, which also holds a holiday event in November and is planning another for the city's new Kudzu Festival Oct. 5-7.
HATCH attendees can stroll through Coolidge Park and the surrounding area, stopping by participating shops located along Manufacturers Road, North Market Street, Frazier Avenue and River Street. The sale is also a great opportunity to check out North Shore restaurants, such as soon-to-open Totto Sushi & Grill (next to Sweet CeCe's in the old Quiznos space), said O'Neal.
In addition to on-street parking, spots are also available to shoppers at Renaissance Park, the Chattanooga Theatre Centre and the Carta garage behind the Texaco on Frazier Avenue.