As the weather starts to get colder, it can be tempting to grab a cup of tea and your laptop, cozy up on the couch, and get your holiday shopping done. This season, however, consider committing to making some of your purchases locally. The past few years the 068 area has seen the closing of several beloved business. Making a conscious effort to shop locally can make an impact on their survival. “Supporting local small businesses is a cornerstone of fostering a thriving and resilient community,” says Camille Carriero, Executive Director of the Wilton Chamber of Commerce. The unique and vibrant downtown feeling is one of the reasons to live in this area. “Everyone loves our charming downtown and the power to sustain it lies in our choice to shop locally,” says Annie Fandl, who recently stepped into the role of Executive Director of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce.
The convenience of online shopping is hard to beat; we’ve all done it, but the small businesses rely on holiday sales to survive. “The holiday season can represent up to 25% or more of annual sales and is critical to the survival of most small businesses, so everyone needs to make an effort to shop locally,” says Books on the Common owner, Ellen Burns.
When you shop locally, you not only get a unique gift to give, but you are also contributing to an ever-growing cycle of prosperity. “Economic studies have documented that dollars spent at local businesses recirculate through the local economy 2 to 4 times more than money spent at a non-local company,” says Burns. Supporting these businesses not only helps the shop owners but also their employees. “Our economic sectors support one another, but the key ingredient is our residents, who fiercely support and protect brick-and-mortar businesses, says Bob Knight, Chairman, Ridgefield Economic & Community Development Commission.
Another reason to commit to shopping locally is to support the businesses that regularly give back to their communities. “Ridgefield residents are known for their generous support of local charities, and behind nearly every raffle ticket and fundraising prize is a local business giving back to those causes, clubs, and teams we hold dear,” says Fandl. Wilton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Camille Carriero agrees, “Small businesses provide essential services, create jobs, and contribute to the unique character of our town. They are owned and operated by your neighbors, friends, and family members who are deeply invested in the well-being of our community.”
To encourage shoppers to come downtown, visit stores, and shop, local organizations have planned a variety of events, including Colabella Media who’s new slogan Keep It Local. Shop Local. Support Local was one of the inspirations for this story.
Georgetown, which recently has seen a surge in new businesses and restaurants, is hoping to maintain the enthusiasm from their annual Georgetown Day held in June. Kate Perry, co-owner of The Georgetown Owl Market & Saloon and board member of Georgetown Village Restoration, Inc., highlights some of the ways they’ve encouraged people to shop on Main Street. “Last year, GVR paid for and installed holiday garlands and lights on all the poles, which gives the village a more cohesive feel and increases visibility from Routes 57 and 107,” says Perry.
The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce is planning several events, starting with their Sip and Shop on November 6th. Participating shops will open their doors to welcome visitors with drinks, seasonal refreshments, discounts, raffles, giveaways, and more. The Holiday Stroll on Friday, December 5th and Saturday, December 6th, promises to really kick off the season with carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and even a visit from Santa’s reindeer at the Lounsbury House. “Saturday is set to be more special than ever—a festive, merchant-focused day where you can stroll downtown, mingle with shop owners, and discover unique gifts,” says Fandl.
Wilton is also planning a holiday stroll on Friday, December 5th, which will include marshmallow roasting and special sales. “You not only receive personalized service and high-quality products, but you also help to sustain the heartbeat of Wilton,” says Carriero. Wilton also hosts a Shop Wilton event spanning the month of November, encouraging shoppers to make purchases. For every $25 spent, customers get a stamp on their frequent shopper card, which makes them eligible for a drawing for a gift card to one of the local businesses.
So, this holiday season, when you’re making your list and checking it twice,
think about making a downtown visit part of your plan. •
