(WFSB) – Black Friday is over, and now it’s time to turn attention to Small Business Saturday.
This year carries a little extra significance for small businesses across the state.
It is no secret that the Coronavirus has severely affected small businesses this year. Many have had to scale back operations, if not shut down completely.
While large personal gatherings may still be frustrating, the hope for many small businesses in Connecticut is that the holiday season will be enough to get customers out the door to their stores.
“It’s not the same on the Internet.” Mary Morris Chalux said, “I like to touch it, see it, feel it, try it if you can.”
Mary Morris Chalux did her Black Friday shopping at Evergreen Walk in South Windsor. On Saturdays, she will do some small business on Saturday to shop elsewhere.
“Very enthusiastic too. I would like to see small businesses stay open. I’m a nurse, so I’m suffering from the entire coronavirus epidemic, you know, I’ve seen this side of it. “To see business and the economy start to flourish again, we hope Christmas will achieve that,” said Morris Chalux.
But this year, many small businesses don’t have time to wait until late December in order to ramp up business.
“They’re fighting. We need to do everything we can to help them this holiday season.” Julio Concepcion, CEO of the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, said, “So, come on, shop little, local store.
Supporting a small business on Saturdays can help yourself.
Being locked in the house all the time? ‘I’m not someone who does that,’ said Russell Palissano of East Hartford.
It can also help your wallet.
“Finding a good deal is something we’ve always been looking forward to,” said Maurice Chalux.
More than anything, there is a good chance that it will help things return to normal a little faster.
“Just to see people enjoying the season and enjoying being there amongst everyone, maybe that is what I love most about the season,” said Palissano.
While smaller stores may have websites, many specials must be purchased in person.
A small business Saturday popup event takes place on Saturdays from 10 am-6pm
Visitors are required to comply with COVID-19 safety precautions, and can sip warm drinks and enjoy live music and entertainment while shopping at Hartford print, Morneault’s Stackpole, Tryon, The Tobacco Shop and other small downtown businesses.
Additionally, on Saturday, the Brass City Rescue Alliance will be on display on Pratt Street to showcase rescue dogs available for adoption.
