FARMINGTON — Downtown merchants are gearing up for shoppers taking advantage of sales during the annual Early Bird Sale on Saturday.

Several shops will offer a discount on items from 6 to 9 a.m. Nov. 2. Some continue the sales throughout the day. 

In Renys, where the tradition started, store manager Thomas Burr has noticed customers already “getting their lists ready and putting their (shopping) plan in order.”

The special sale was started to lure hunters’ wives in for a morning of shopping and coffee while their husbands rose early to chase deer.

“These days, women hunt and men shop, so times have changed,” a member of the Farmington Downtown Association said. The association plans the traditional event and reminds shoppers that “the early bird gets the best deals.”

The Early Bird Sale actually falls on the first day of hunting this year, Burr said. He expects there may be a few less male shoppers than normal this year. 

The Farmington Renys ranks in the top three among Renys stores for selling hunting gear. We’ve already sold a lot, he said.

At the new Minikins shop on Broadway, owner Susun Terese said she is excited about the sale. She has a new line of Melissa and Doug toys and gently used baby gear ready for shoppers, along with the many fleece items she creates.

It’s not her first early bird sale. Terese formerly ran the shop on Main Street and closed it for a few years. She reopened at the Broadway site a couple months ago. 

“A lot of people are still unaware I’m here,” she said. She plans to place balloons and other items in front of her store.

On Front Street, packets of movie passes are available at Narrow Gauge Cinema. Divine Inspirations is planning a Christmas open house from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mooseville and Calico Patch are opening early and planning all-day sales.

The Homestead Kitchen, Bar and Bakery will be open early for breakfast, Laurie Danforth said.

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