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Center City Streets to Close for Holiday Shopping Events After Sales Triple

Streets around Rittenhouse Square will become walking-only zones on December 8 and 15, after local stores saw amazing results during similar street closures in September, when sales jumped to three…

Philadelphia city park at sunrise

Philadelphia city park at sunrise

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Streets around Rittenhouse Square will become walking-only zones on December 8 and 15, after local stores saw amazing results during similar street closures in September, when sales jumped to three times their normal levels. Cars won't be allowed on 18th Street between Locust and Chestnut, and on Walnut Street from 15th to 19th.While these main streets will be closed from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., cars can still cross at 16th, 17th, and 19th, and there's some access on Sansom Street."Streets filled with people drive more business than streets filled with cars," says CCD President Prema Katari Gupta.

Local shops will expand onto the sidewalks with extra tables and special offers. They're keeping it local, no outside vendors will be part of the event. The streets will come alive with street performers playing acoustic music, holiday carolers, activities for kids, and visits from Santa. Big TV screens will show Eagles games all day.

Workers will start blocking off streets at 9 a.m., and cars can drive through again by 7 p.m. When they tried this in September, nearly every store saw many new customers.

This blend of street activities and shopping keeps traffic flowing at major crossroads while giving plenty of room for people to walk around. Previous car-free events, especially on MLK Drive, were a big hit with pedestrians.

Source: phillyvoice.com

Rachel Pitts is a seasoned radio veteran with over 20 years of experience. She is the Digital Program Director for Beasley Media Group’s Philadelphia-based radio properties. As a content creator for Beasley Media Philadelphia, Rachel writes articles on family activites, culinary adventures and things to do in the Delaware Valley.