As large national chains like Walmart, CVS and McDonald's pop up in local towns, small businesses struggle to stay afloat. Mom and pops make Westport's Post Road unique and many sponsor Little League teams and contribute to other community causes.
That's why the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce is throwing its weight behind "Shop Small Saturday", an effort by American Express and The National Federation of Independent Businesses to encourage consumers to patronize their local businesses.
"Small Business Saturday is a day to support the businesses that invigorate our local economy and keep Westport's community thriving," said Lisa Parrelli Gray, president of the Chamber of Commerce. "Small businesses are the backbone of Westport's economy and a big part of our community's charm."
Shop Small Saturday Hot Deals can be found on the chamber's website. The offers are good through Dec. 1.
Among the chamber's retail members participating are Hansen's Floral Art, Bungalow, Montage Modern Vintage, Downunder Westport, Crossroads Hardware, Connie Cooper Design, Fisher Interiors, J. Pocker, Max’s Art Supplies, Lux Bond & Green, Bottlerocket Wine & Spirit, Purple Feet of Westport Wine and Spirits, Aitoro, Athletic Shoe Factory, Bella Bridesmaid of Westport, Eileen Fisher, Eyeglasses.com, Indulge by Mersene, Painter’s Supply of Westport, Silver of Westport, Soleil Toile, The Top Drawer, Walin and Wolff and Wishlist.
Taylor Tait, marketing and events manager for the chamber, said, "It's our first foray into supporting our members in this effort — mom and pops who are still left."
In addition to promoting the event on its website, on Twitter and Facebook, Tait said the chamber is thinking of doing something more regularly throughout the year on the same concept. For instance, it is putting together a Shop Small Saturday video.
"The chamber is trying to dovetail on an effort American Express is doing nationwide," Tait said. "We're trying to drill it down locally."
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