SCRANTON — A group of Green Ridge business owners will bring a bit of holiday cheer to the corners amid the dog days of summer on Saturday.
The Green Ridge Business Association hosts several events throughout the year — including the ninth annual Christmas in July Sale set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — to attract customers to the quaint shops. Other seasonal events include the Spring Fling, Holiday on the Ridge, Fall Festival and Pink Friday.
Keith Cavallotti, owner of Pop It! Jackets and Accessories on East Market Street, noted the promotional activities drive traffic to the area and introduce people to new stores.
“I think it’s super important for all the businesses to come together,” he said. “I might have a different customer base than the Curiosity Shop or Enchanted Elephant, so when we do something big together it brings a broader range of people out and they might discover something (else) because we have a lot to offer as far as the variety of businesses. It’s such a great community with great people.”
The Green Ridge Corners Christmas in July event aims to serve a dual purpose: increase sales and spread Christmas joy, Cavallotti said.
“Generally speaking, it’s a slower time of year for retail,” he said. “Right after the Fourth of July things slow down, so I thought it would be a great way to bring people out. And I’m also a huge Christmas guy, so any excuse to make a little Christmas magic, why not?”
Leah Geldhof, owner of Changes Luxury Consignment on Sanderson Avenue, added customers eagerly anticipate the Christmas in July sales each year. Geldhof plans to offer discounts on summer apparel and will also feature a rack of holiday-themed clothing and accessories.
“They love it and it gets everybody out,” she said. “We all do sales and it just kind of gives us a little summer boost. I think it brings out people who might not come down to the Green Ridge Corners daily or weekly and it brings in some new folks from other areas.”
Other businesses expected to participate in the Christmas in July activities include the Releafery, Cosmik Gifts, Dutchies, Sports Medley Pro Shop, Cuppa Cake Cafe, A’s Eatery, and the Post Ice Cream and Events.
Geldhof stressed the business owners enjoy collaborating and feed off each other’s success.
“We all get along so well,” she said. “We have fun planning the events and we’re already talking about the Fall Festival. We have a good neighborhood and good customers who keep coming back.”
As the weather continues to warm up, Geldhof anticipates strong interest in the Christmas in July event.
“Summer started a little later this year so people are really out shopping and walking the neighborhood,” she said. “It’s good to see people out in the sunshine. Hopefully it will be a good turnout.”
Summer apparel on display at Pop It! Accessories and Jackets on East Market Street in Scranton. The clothing will be discounted Saturday as part of the Green Ridge Corners annual Christmas in July Sale. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
Christmas-themed earrings on display at Pop It! Jackets and Accessories on East Market Street in the Green Ridge section of Scranton. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)