Retailers re-Grand Opening event signals optimism and resiliency

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Even the pandemic can’t alter the growth and optimism of one local Avon business owner, Scott Zabka.

The serial entrepreneur, who owns and operates three area Your CBD Stores, is so optimistic about Avon’s potential that he is opening his newest location in the city’s downtown business district in January, which is among retail’s slowest sales periods. Why January?

“Because it’s needed,” says Zabka, who plans to celebrate the opening his new store located at 380 W. Main Street in Avon on January 14 with a free gift while supplies last and 30% OFF all products from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and a 20% discount for the remainder of the month.

“It’s not just about extra space, although we certainly need that and then some,” says Zabka. “It’s more about meeting the growing needs of Avon’s residents facing unprecedented pandemic-related stress and burnout levels.

“You can see it in New Year’s Resolutions,” says Zabka. “Typically, like most Americans, the majority (50%) of Avon’s residents would be making bold resolutions. This year, we’re seeing more and more customers who just want to make it through the week with a little less stress and an hour or two more of sleep than the week before.”

It’s a troubling trend, according to Zabka, who is relocating to larger digs to meet the growing inventory demands of a consumer market that is “beyond burned-out.”

His newest store boasts 1,000 square feet of retail space to house Your CBD Store’s signature line of SUNMED products focused on calming everyday stressors, improving sleep, helping shed pandemic pounds and managing inflammation.

As important, it’s “warm and welcoming,” according to Zabka.

“Everyone needs an oasis,” he says.

And that’s exactly what Zabka hopes they will find at his new location, which boasts an even warmer and more inviting environment.

“Managing the elevated stressors of the pandemic is key,” says Zabka.

Our body’s natural fight or flight response system has been overdrive, according to mental health professionals, who say this type of long-term exposure to stress is leading to an increased incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder, which, until recently, was more likely to occur within high-risk populations like active military members, veterans and first responders.

In late 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that more than one quarter (26%) of our nation’s general population has PTSD (or related PTSS).

Women, who are twice as likely to be diagnosed with PTSD, are at particular risk.

Many women are seeking non-addictive products to cope, are shifting to supplements, according to the Brightfield Group, which reports that consumption of CBD and related products like Delta 8 are on the rise among millennial moms.

A CVS study reports that compared to men, women often do not prioritize their own mental health because of their focus on taking care of others.

All too frequently, sleep suffers. Residents here in Connecticut have incurred an average 19.3 hour “Sleep Debt,” according to an Ocere sleep study, which reports on average Americans are losing 21.4 hours of sleep weekly in 2021.

Experts at the CDC consider sleeplessness a public health concern.

Over-eating is nearing epidemic levels with one third of all adults reporting they eat to manage their stress.

Moms (and dads) need a break, according to a newest Stress in America poll by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Psychological Association (APA).

The poll revealed what most Avon residents already know: Our households are at a critical tipping point.

The majority (63%) surveyed feel uncertain about the future. Among millennials, the problem is far greater. Around half of millennials (49%) said that the pandemic has made planning for their future feel “impossible.”

“We’ve got to help our young families and other at-risk Avon residents restore their inherent sense of resiliency,” says Zabka.

This mission is greater than a newly opened location, according to Zabka.

Editor’s Note: Avon’s Your CBD Store located at 380 W. Main Street will celebrate its opening on January 14 with a free gift while supplies last and 30% OFF all products from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The store will provide a 20% discount following its Grand Opening event through month-end. Visit the store’s facebook page to learn more or call 860-255-7101.

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