Retailers hope to draw 301 Endless Yard Sale crowds

An annual tradition, the 301 Endless Yard Sale, attracts crowds of frugal shoppers to U.S. Highway 301 across five counties from Dunn all the way to Roanoke Rapids.

Since 2013, residents, businesses and churches along the highway have set up tents and tables during one weekend in June to do some wheeling and dealing.

Regular retailers are looking to tap into those crowds and draw them into their stores.

Morgan and other Benson shopkeepers are planning big sidewalk sales, hoping to move some merchandise as yard sale traffic passes through.

Ashby Brame, marketing manager for the Johnston County Visitors Bureau, said many visitors want traditional yard sale shopping, but another group looks for something in particular.

"They're really looking for those good, Southern antiques like milk glass and tobacco baskets, moonshine jugs, things like that," she said.

Brame said she hopes the big yard sale gives visitors a taste of Benson's unique collection of antiques and boutiques, and that they will come back.

For Morgan, it's about a growing town putting its best foot forward on a weekend in the spotlight.

"We're trying to kind of step it up. Benson is taking the next step to make us kind of a destination," she said.