Saturday is a day to focus on small businesses

[Editor’s Note: Many other holiday events are planned in the coming days. Check back here for stories, and periodically check the town’s community calendar at www.NewMilfordNow.org/events to see what’s happening. New Milford

organizations are strongly encouraged to submit their event(s) to the calendar

on a regular basis for an extended reach.] 

By Deborah Rose

Finding that special something for a loved one this holiday season may be easier than expected – and closer to home.

Come Saturday, Nov. 25, many New Milford small businesses will offer sales, promotions, giveaways and other special offerings as part of Small Business Saturday.

In addition, the New Milford Historical Society & Museum will recognize the importance of small businesses by kicking off on Saturday a two-day Small Business Saturday Craft Fair featuring nearly a dozen local artisans.

“Small Business Saturday is huge,” said Maureen Kenny, owner of Nutmeg Olive Oil. “It’s the one time of year that a spotlight is put on small businesses.”

Patty Bowers, owner of The Gift Shop of New Milford on Route 202, will offer numerous specials, including 30% off Italian blankets, as well as specials for a variety of items.

Heather Amaral, owner of Compass Rose Collection on Bank Street, said her business will give shoppers a scratch-off to reveal what percent discount they will receive on their purchase.

Discounts range from 10 to 50 percent. 

“We’re really excited,” Amaral said of Saturday’s events. “We want to have that connection by handing the customer something to show them we’re so appreciate of being here” and having their support.

Kenny said she will, like other participating Small Business Saturday businesses, also offer specials at her Main Street store.

“I think people can do some early holiday shopping,” said Anita Regan, secretary of the historical society board, of what patrons can expect at the 6 Aspetuck Ave. museum.

"We've coordinated a really diverse group of crafters” that will sell their goods, including candles, soaps, holiday crafts, jewelry, wooden crafts, vintage gifts, knitted goods, and more in an effort to promote the role small businesses play in the community, according to Regan.

In addition, the museum will sell prints by David Merrill, books by Howard Peck and Michael-John Cavallaro, ornaments, and the museum’s 2023 medallion featuring the bandstand ($20). For collectors of the medallions, a handful of past-issued medallions will also be sold for $5.

The historical society “will have some great little things that could make really good teacher or bus driver gifts,” Regan said, citing birdseed in a jar as an example.

Kenny described Small Business Saturday atmospheres of the past as “great.” She’s also noticed an increase in patrons.

“It’s a busy weekend anyway, but (the increase) is definitely noticeable,” she said.

Amaral, who opened in June of 2021, said she, too, is cognizant of the impact of Small Business Saturday.

She said her business sources goods “you’re not going to find down the street at a big box store.” Among them, local artisans’ goods.

Bowers related that people who shop at small business like hers are “supporting local in two ways – local people, and US-made businesses.”

The Gift Shop of New Milford boasts unique gifts and products – for the holiday, home, special occasion, taste buds, and more.

“We tried to hit the gamut of price ranges,” the business owner said. “We have something for every budget.”

Amaral’s store features clothing, accessories, jewelry, and gifts for the host or new home, among other unique finds, such as engraved “Gilmore Girls” wooden ornaments and travel mugs, as well as T-shirts.

Unfortunately, today, more often than not, emphasis is put on big retailers and online stores, which often means small businesses are not top of mind.

And, since the pandemic, online stores have joined the big box stores, casting an even wider shadow upon small business shopping experiences. 

With the increase in the minimum wage and the inability to find and maintain employees, additional stresses have been created for the small business owner.

Still, small businesses have much to offer, and their success provides the means for an owners’ livelihood.

Small shops “need attention every day to survive,” Kenny said.

Kenny pointed out that downtown New Milford is “extremely unique” in that a large majority of businesses owners are women “juggling families with children, and participating in activities.”

“They should all be commended,” she said.

Bowers related that it is a misconception that small businesses in town are “raking in the dough.”

“My heart goes out to all the businesses in this town,” Bowers said. “We all talk. And we’re struggling.”

“Small Business Saturday is really about supporting local businesses and letting them know you want them to stay, that if you’re going to buy, you’re going to buy local,” Bowers said.

Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 – and officially co-sponsored by the Small Business Administration since 2011 – as a way to celebrate and support small businesses for all they do in their communities.

Deborah Rose/The Barkery Boo'tique on Route 202 in New Milford is a popular business that has something for our four-legged friends.

Courtesy of Nordica Toys/Main Street's Nordica Toys is geared up for the holiday season.

Courtesy of Paul Morton Jewelers/For those looking for jewelry as gifts, New Milford features several jewelry stores, including Paul Morton Jewelers on Bank Street. Above is a sample of one of their necklaces.