As a way to provide more time to shop and visit Sewickley, some businesses are staying open later each week on Thursdays beginning May 7.
Termed “Thursday Night Live” by the Sewickley Valley Chamber of Commerce, the concept will give people who may not be able to stop during the day on weekdays or on the weekends an opportunity to experience what the town has to offer, said Erica Parr, Sewickley Valley Chamber of Commerce executive director.
Nearly 40 businesses are participating as of press time on April 30.
“Historically, Sewickley has been known to be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the week,” Parr said. “’Thursday Night Live’ is a way to open the door to Sewickley for those who may come by to have dinner and who will now also be able to visit some of the nearby businesses. We also see Thursday night as a way to kick off the weekend.”
Staying open late is not a new concept, said Parr, adding that the extended hours are a revival of something the area did years ago, Parr said.
Parr said other towns in Western Pennsylvania also have extended shopping hours on a weekday evening.
The businesses are excited, said Parr, who plans to check in frequently with them to see if they notice more sales and visitors on Thursday evenings.
As manager of the J.McLaughlin Sewickley store, Kristene Smith said she wants to do her part to encourage foot traffic to Sewickley.
“Staying open a little later on Thursday evenings when it’s one of the busiest nights of the week for our local restaurants makes Sewickley more welcoming and inviting not only to our local community but also to nearby communities,” Smith said. “Hopefully, more people will dine, linger and shop.”
“Thursday Night Live” is scheduled to run from May 7 through October, which leads into the 16th annual Sewickley Wine Walk on Nov. 4 and into the holiday season, Parr said.
“It’s a perfect segue into the Sewickley Wine Walk and the holidays,” Parr said.
The chamber has been getting the word out via social media. The timing is right, Parr said, with the warmer weather months ahead, which will most likely bring more people out and about into the evening hours. Parr said this could become an annual happening if it’s successful.
“Thursday Night Live” is a great idea to bring energy into the Sewickley Village after work hours and encourages people to spend time locally, Bean Candle Co. owner Laura Palmer said.
“As a business owner, I always value opportunities that create connections with the community and support foot traffic,” Palmer said.
“Thursday Night Live” is a way to encourage local retailers to stay open later and create a more vibrant, welcoming atmosphere throughout the community, said Mark Rengers, owner of Mark Rengers Gallery and chamber president.
With Sewickley recently voted the No. 1 small town in the East by USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards, the initiative is one way the community is working together to build on that recognition and sustain its energy, not only for the town but for the entire region, Rengers said.
“By offering extended hours, special events and unique experiences, participating businesses aim to attract more visitors while also enhancing Sewickley’s appeal as a walkable, engaging place to live, shop and gather,” Rengers said. “It’s been especially encouraging to see the enthusiasm from clients, fellow retailers and community leaders who are embracing this shared effort to strengthen the town through collaboration and energy.