The new meaning of Presidents Day

Before the 1980s, most stores were shuttered for Presidents Day. But with a dose of corporate persuasion, one word has become predominantly synonymous with the annual remembrance of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s respective birthdays: sale.

Implemented in 1880, the federal holiday was initially celebrated on February 22 and was ceremoniously dubbed “Washington’s Birthday.” In 1951, several state legislators pushed for dual recognition of not only the nation’s Founding Father’s birthday, but also for that of the country’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is 10 days earlier, on February 12. In 1971, the federal holiday was moved to the third Monday in February by the “Uniform Monday Holiday Act.”

Fast forward 130 years and this day of federal fetes and recognition of American ancestry has become a reason for retailers large and small to promote their patriotism through weekend-long discounts on home furnishings and linens. And just as Presidents Day (this year the official holiday is Monday, February 15) has become a national day of sales, the tradition of saving money has travelled to several East End stores as well.

Rumrunner Home in Southampton will offer 20 to 50 percent off home furnishings, including sofas, bureaus, chests and other home-decor accoutrement.

Sylvester & Co. in Sag Harbor will offer 50 percent off Turkish towels and 10 percent off new arrivals from Saturday, February 13, through Sunday, February 15.

Meanwhile, the flagship store, Sylvester & Co. At Home, in Amagansett will offer 20 percent off new upholstered furniture orders. And for style inspiration, the local artist showcase, “Best of 2009,” will be on display.

No wooden teeth or stovepipe hats, but a plethora of other antiques will go on sale at English Country Antiques on Snake Hollow Road in Bridgehampton. Linens, upholstery, furniture, lighting, and mirrors will all be 20 percent off; wall sconces, coffee-table books, candles and frames are 30 percent off; and porch and patio items will be 60 percent off. Specialty pillows crafted of Italian fabrics in various styles will also be on sale.

Hildreth’s on Main Street in Southampton offers everything from bedding to carpetry for up to 75 percent off. For Presidents Day, manager Brian Minnick suggests customers take advantage of discounts on the store’s handmade wooden beach signs.

Fisher’s Home Furnishings in Sag Harbor will mark down everything in the store, with most discounts beginning at 20 percent off. Fisher’s offers linens, pillows and lamps to suit any style. Manager Jennifer Jiras said she is particular to the unique selection of upholstered goods, but also recommends hand-woven baskets and eclectic mirrors large and small.

Even though Presidents Day has become synonymous with home goods sales, there are a couple of East End retailers who will buck the tradition this year.

Shock and Baby Shock in Westhampton Beach will offer a variety of discounts for women’s, children’s and pre-teen fashions. Shock owner Elyse Richmond’s pick for Presidents Day is from her selection of “Not-Your-Daughter-Jeans” at 10 percent off.

“Every woman who comes in and tries them on buys them,” she said.

And at Baby Shock, everything in the store will be marked 20 to 50 percent off.

Lastly, as it goes with most birthday celebrations, splurging is par for the course. Land Rover Southampton will offer Presidents Day prices on luxury vehicles, such as the 2010 Range Rover HSE, which will be offered for lease at $999 per month with a $3,995 down payment plus taxes and fees. Sales manager A.J. Alfino also recommended the Jaguar XF, which will be reduced to $599 per month, with the same down payment needed.

So for those who feel the need to go forth and shop, enjoy the birthday savings.