Local businesses are hoping people stay local and buy local this weekend to boost downtown shopping and kick off the summer shopping season.

Tomorrow and Sunday, participating shops will throw open their doors and move outside, featuring promotions and specials throughout town. 

"There are very few reasons to leave Marblehead to find things you need or even cannot live without out," said Carole Moran, owner of Moran Studios. 

Moran has participated in previous sidewalk sales and is a member of the retail committee that is responsible for organizing the sales.  Although Moran will be selling invitations, notes and close-out items this weekend, she sees the sales as more than just an opportunity to do business. 

"As a member of the retail committee, I am devoted to helping keep things local," she says. "I want to help bring residents downtown to shop for bargains as well as to keep people aware of all of the wonderful businesses that we have in town. Our outdoor sales accomplish this."

Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce Anne Marie Casey agrees with Moran. She said the sales are a great way to attract local shoppers and generate additional interest in visiting Marblehead.

Casey said, as the summer shopping season gets underway, there are more opportunities to highlight all  the unique businesses in town for those who are unfamiliar. The extra incentive of a town-wide sale can attract tourists early in the summer and introduce them to the growing number of boutiques.

"This is a town-wide event and is open to all Marblehead businesses," said Casey. "Participation is free for businesses; therefore, it is very inclusive."

Although the Chamber of Commerce does not track the number of participating businesses, Casey expects a large number of local shops will take advantage of the opportunity to clear out for new inventory.  

In fact, according to Casey, inventory is a key reason for the timing of the sales, which are held annually in mid-June and in conjunction with the Fall Festival at the end of September. The sales are aimed to boost sales both pre-season and post-season, she said.

While business-owners may have extra room for summer merchandise, the real beneficiaries of all this movement of inventory are this weekend's shoppers.

 The sales will take place throughout downtown from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Look for balloons to mark participating stores.