This year Merchants on Main will celebrate its one-year anniversary two ways, with a sidewalk sale and the Bugs and BBQ event as part of the Mainx24 celebration Dec. 3.
Shoppers from Selmer, Tenn., make a trip to Chattanooga and shop at Merchants on Main, which carries items from a number of diverse vendors."What people have to understand is that even though there's something going on for 24 hours, it's just a totally different energy and vibe than what people are used to," said Merchants on Main co-owner Jack Steiner of the 24-hour block party event known as Mainx24. "It's not just people from the Southside; we get people from both mountains, East Brainerd and the entire city for this event."
Merchants on Main will host a sidewalk sale from 9 a.m. until dark in the store's parking lot at 607 E. Main St. In addition to sales inside the store, Steiner said merchants will be set up with a variety of furniture, pillows, accessories, lamps and jewelry for cash and carry purchases.
The store will also be hosting the Bugs and BBQ event featuring the Volkswagen bugs from the Mainx24 parade and barbeque from E.G.A. Catering. Food costs $5 a plate or a toy for the Toys for Tots drive. Bugs and barbecue will begin at 11:30 and last until the food runs out, said Steiner.
Merchants on Main will be open during both of the events and Steiner said he encourages anyone who hasn't visited the store to check out the variety of new, used and repurposed merchandise it features from 20 different dealers, including Bob Grove.
"We have unique stuff at great prices," he said. "We're going to sell it to you at a price where if you choose to resell the piece at some point, you won't lose money."
According to Steiner, he's got unique pieces ranging from $25 to $2,000 depending on the item. The best way to get a feel for the store it to visit the Merchants on Main Facebook page where Steiner said he frequently adds pictures and sells merchandise.
"I have people come in all the time and say it's incredible what we do with Facebook and email," he said.
For more information find the store on Facebook, visit www.merchantsonmain.co or join the email list by sending a message to merchantsonmain@gmail.com.