Shoppers warmed up to Shovel the Sidewalk Sale in Lee’s Summit

Crowds of bundled-up shoppers braced the cold to take advantage of local business discounts Jan. 18 in downtown Lee’s Summit.

The Shovel the Sidewalk Sale brought a wintry spin to the annual Summer Sale. About 30 local businesses participating in the event offered discounts.

Having an event encourages people to come out after the holidays to support local businesses, said Shara Derks, owner of Embers Candle Bar. Downtown Lee’s Summit has more than 100 locally owned businesses, and continues to grow with more community support, Derks said.

“Downtown is working together to get people out here to try places they haven’t tried before,” Derks said. “We want people to have new experiences while supporting local business owners.”

Derks said Lee’s Summit is a tightly knit community, and that shoppers enjoy supporting local businesses. Embers Candle Bar gave customers options by extending the shelf-life of winter scents, while bringing tropical scents to the mix, Derks said.

MacKenzie Magwire of Raytown said it’s her second time at Embers Candle Bar.

“I’ve always been a shop-local, drink-local person, supporting local businesses,” Magwire said. “It’s important to support local businesses and give back to the community and the people who work hard to build something from nothing.”

Llywelyn’s Pub bar manager Christopher Miller also thinks the close Lee’s Summit community contributes to local business success. He said it’s great to have the Shovel the Sidewalk Sale because it boosts everyone’s business.

“Everybody looks out for each other here,” Miller said. “We want every business to do good, because then everyone benefits.”

Sisters Kassidy and Lucy Harrenstien co-own the boutique Luxxe Apparel. The sisters said they enjoy empowering women through style, and have a passion for creating outfits that make women feel good.

“This is always something we wanted to do,” Kassidy said. “Everything fell into place, and it worked out. Our goal is to help women feel good. The best part is making women feel beautiful.”

Kassidy started the boutique four years ago, and Lucy joined her in the entrepreneurial journey after completing college.

“When you purchase something from here, you’re supporting a dream,” Lucy said. “People are showing us that they believe in us by exploring and buying our clothes and accessories.”

This story was originally published January 20, 2020 at 9:12 PM.