NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — After the rush of Black Friday shoppers “shopped small” on Saturday. It is known as Small Business Saturday, and folks are encouraged to visit locally owned stores, restaurants and other businesses. Stores celebrated with sales and specials; some had contests and offered refreshments.
“If it wasn’t for repeat business from our loyal clientele we wouldn’t be in business,” said Raggs owner Tom Maloney.
Maloney and employees were at the menswear store early Saturday morning getting ready for Small Business Saturday. They are having a salesperson come in from New York for the day and clothing is 19.84 percent off.
“It’s our 31st anniversary and that’s the year we started in business,” said Maloney.
Raggs is just one of the small businesses in downtown New Haven that was gearing up for a busy day.
Signs and banners encouraged folks to “shop small” and let them know where to find locally owned businesses, like Idiom. Kimberly Pedrick owns the boutique, which is next door to Raggs. She says when shoppers come into her store and spend money, it isn’t just good for her business.
“It stimulates the local economy, keeping the money in New Haven,” said Pedrick. “So working, dining, shopping in your local area definitely supports and goes full circle.”
That’s why store owners like Pedrick were going to be some of the people stopping by local businesses for Small Business Saturday. More than half of the money spent locally stays in the community.
“I know myself I plan to go to Atticus for breakfast, I plan to go to the men’s stores for presents for my dad,” Pedrick said.
Small business owners say that’s not the only reason why shoppers should stop in. Many locally owned stores offer things that shoppers can’t find just anywhere, like gifts made by local artisans. Maloney says shoppers will find great service too.
“We have three or four guys working in the store today,” he said. “They’re all well-versed in menswear. And they’ll get great customer service.”
Shoppers taking advantage of Small Business Saturday in New Haven can park for free in some spots. The meters are covered with white plastic bags. People can park for two hours for free.
Here’s where to park for free in New Haven for Small Business Saturday (8 a.m. – 9 p.m.):
-Chapel Street from State St. to York St.
-Temple Street from Chapel St. to Crown St.
-Crown Street from Church St. to Temple St.
-Elm Street from Church St. to State St.
-Church Street from Wall St. to Trumbull St.
