July Message from Bill Anderson

July has arrived, and with it all those great Summertime activities – swimming, picnics, band concerts and vacations. For just about all my life, July has always brought the Sidewalk Sale.

When I was a kid the downtown Sidewalk Sale was always a fun event. The storefronts back in the 60’s and 70’s were mostly retailers and they would fill the sidewalks throughout town with their displays. Most used the sale to get rid of seasonal and slow moving inventory. Anyone remember Horsley’s clothes? They were where Sullivan’s is today, right across Jackson Ave. from Dean’s clothing. They would both put up their tents and duel it out in the July heat. Jan’s Gift Shop, Toenniges Jewelers, Scotts Five and Dime, The Main Store and of course Oswald’s all had their wares outside. The sale always began on Thursday and it was by far the busiest day of the sale, with customers jamming the sidewalks, wanting to shop the best selection. The threat of a sudden July thundershower was always there, sending merchants and customers scurrying for cover.

When we moved out here to the Plaza we once again held an annual Sidewalk Sale in front of the store. Last year we were enlarging the store to accommodate our new Medical Equipment showroom so we did not have a the sale. This year we have decided to beat the heat and have the sale inside. We will have two entire aisles filled with all sorts of deals and closeouts. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save up to 75% on all sorts of merchandise – gifts, toys, puzzles, Christmas and holiday goodies. Check out our Facebook page to see the exciting events that will accompany this year’s sale!

Written by Bill Anderson

Bill is the current owner of Oswald's Pharmacy. A 5th generation member of the Wickel-Oswald-Kester-Anderson family, Bill became general manager in 1979 and bought the business from his father in 1991. In 2004 Bill orchestrated Oswald's move from Downtown Naperville to Naperville Plaza. Bill graduated from Knox College in 1978 with a BA in Art, minoring in History. A graduate of Naperville Central High School in 1974, Bill is a lifelong Naperville resident. Over the years Bill has served as a current member and past president of the Naperville Rotary Club, current member and past chairman of the Downtown Naperville Alliance, and as former Naperville Riverwalk commissioner. Bill lives in Naperville with his wife, just a few blocks away from their grandchildren (the 7th Oswald's generation!).