Chestnut Hill is rolling out the red carpet for the return of Royal Rummage, a spectacular sidewalk sale, Thursday, July 28 through Saturday, July 30.

After three years of pandemic restrictions, there is much to celebrate and to save. Storekeepers will once again set tables on the sidewalk, displaying their best wares at rock bottom prices. This is your chance to snatch up items you covet and take advantage of free parking in all Chestnut Hill Parking Foundation lots for the duration of the sale. 

Royal Rummage History

“Royal Rummage started as a way for stores to offer merchandise to customers of all walks of life,” said Molly Ellis, chairman of this year’s Royal Rummage and owner of Threadwell monogram shop, 8432 Germantown Ave. “I remember Royal Rummage when I first came to Chestnut Hill in 1996 and still have a frame that I got then for a steal at the Philadelphia Print Shop. In the nearly eighteen years since I have had a store on the Avenue, there have been many sidewalk sales and other sale events, but I am excited about reviving this Chestnut Hill tradition.”

Lisa Howe of Artisans on the Avenue, 8434 Germantown Ave., recalled going to Royal Rummage back in the 1960s. “Everyone looked forward to finding something from their favorite stores,” said Howe, who is nostalgic for some of the shops that are no longer here, such as the Nana Shop, Deb Shop and Dorothy Bullitt.

Fifty years ago, Royal Rummage even coaxed locals from their summer homes. “When I was growing up, we spent the entire summer on Long Beach Island. The only day my Mom left our beach house was to come back for Royal Rummage,” said Anne McNally of McNally’s Tavern, 8634 Germantown Ave. “It was a fun thing to do and a great bargain.” 

Make sure to stop by McNally’s sidewalk table during Royal Rummage for a Schmitter t-shirt and other branded merchandise.

What to expect

A favorite for teens and their moms will be the clothing racks and sale tables at El Quetzal, 8427 Germantown, which will feature a wide selection of wearables, accessories, home décor and unique gift items. Price conscious fashionistas will want to make a beeline to Artisans on the Avenue for a selection of jewelry, clothes and accessories, as well as to Quelque Chose, 8437 Germantown Ave. for their $10 rack.

Threadwell will have some great items on the sale table outside and will offer a surprise discount and a buy-one-get-one discount on some things inside. Specials will be announced each morning on Instagram @threadwellmonograms.

Stop by Tailored Home, 8528 Germantown Ave., for 20-50% off luxury, famous brand home goods. Wine lovers and cooks will want to snap up sale items at Kitchen Kapers, 8530 Germantown Ave., including wine glasses, cookware and hostess accessories. 

These are just a few of the many shops participating in the return of Royal Rummage. With the price of gas, food and just about everything going up, don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy the lowest prices of the year at shops that are already your favorites, and those that you might discover! Bring a friend, have lunch on the Hill, and make it a day.