The Parade’s VIP Shopping Day and Sidewalk Sale, happening this Saturday, is a great way to help out Adelaide traders while enjoying exclusive discounts.

The Parade’s annual VIP Shopping Day and Sidewalk Sale is taking over The Parade once again this weekend, running on Saturday, 10 October from 8:30am ’til 6pm.

The event will spill out onto the street, which, in addition to complying with social distancing norms, will also allow more retailers to take part in the event.

Keke Michalos, manager for economic development and strategic projects at the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, says they hope adding the Sidewalk Sale to this year’s VIP Shopping Day will prove popular.

“What we’re doing is encouraging businesses to come out onto the street, to create more of a shopping experience and contribute to The Parade’s vibrancy,” Keke says.

“There are both in-store offers and sidewalk sales, so lots of opportunities for people to find a little bargain or just pick something up that’s unique and interesting or something they’ve been looking for.”

With a predominant focus on fashion in the past, homewares businesses such as A Trip To The Moon and Outdoors On Parade have been invited to participate in the Sidewalk Sale this year to expand the offering to customers.

“Whilst the fashion businesses will be both in-store and on the street, the homeware stores have been invited to come out onto the street and set up little trestle tables,” Keke says.

Bauhaus, Peter Alexander, Trenery, Specsavers and Save the Children are amongst the well-known businesses participating.

Popular lifestyle brand MIMCO is involved this year and is offering 20 per cent off their full-priced range of women’s bags, wallets, shoes, jewellery and accessories, including their latest October collection.

“I think it’s good for the local area, obviously given the times,” says MIMCO Norwood store manager, Laura Mudie.

“It’s been quiet in retail as well, so it’s a good opportunity for us to increase traffic and support the local businesses around here as well, and especially for the MIMCO company.”

Second-hand and vintage store Elcies is new to The Parade and has also joined the VIP Shopping Day and Sidewalk Sale for the first year.

Elcies sells clothing, handbags, jewellery, homewares and furniture at affordable prices, with all proceeds going to Lutheran Community Care.

Jenny Wauchope, an Elcies team leader, says shopping at the store also helps the community.

“Elcies also provides for emergency relief. We do emergency housing. Everything sold here all goes back into the community,” she says.

Signature brands including Armani, Seed, Salvatore Ferragamo, Anthea Crawford, Sportscraft, Sportsgirl, Perri Cutten, Sheridan, Royal Doulton and Wedgewood can occasionally be found at the thrift shop.

Ian’s shoes

Keke says businesses not located on The Parade, such as Hello Dolly Hats, will also be joining the sale.

“We’re giving them the opportunity to come and promote their goods when they would normally not be located on The Parade,” Keke says.

“I think it’s a good opportunity to try and encourage people to come back to The Parade’s mainstreet environment.

“We are obviously making sure it’s COVID safe to help support our businesses and our retailers and just remind people of all the offerings that you can get along The Parade as well as in the city.”

The Parade’s VIP Shopping Day and Sidewalk Sale is happening from 8:30am ’til 6pm on Saturday, 10 October. For more information, head to the event page.