Small Business Saturday boosts local economy in Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT (WFSB) – Small Business Saturday, which falls right after Black Friday, has become a vital day for supporting local businesses, and this year was no exception.

Across Main Street in Middletown, business owners opened their doors early, hoping for a strong turnout of shoppers eager to support the neighborhood’s small shops.

For the past 15 years, the national initiative has encouraged consumers to shop small and support their local economies.

Many of the businesses along Middletown’s Main Street rely on this day to boost their holiday sales, with some owners noting that Small Business Saturday is one of the busiest days of the year.

Katie Hughes-Nelson, owner of Perk on Main, a coffee shop that has been serving the community for over two decades, shared how critical the day is for their success.

“We try to be good employers and offer 401(k)s and paid time off, and we can’t do that without people coming through the door,” she said.

The sense of camaraderie between businesses is evident, with local shop owners working together to encourage shoppers to stroll down the street and support their neighbors.

Johanna Bond, president of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of small businesses for the local economy, “Our local economies depend so much on our small business community.”

In addition to supporting local shops, the holiday shopping day also brought charitable efforts to the forefront.

The Middletown Police Toy Drive was among the initiatives raising money for those in need during the season.

Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim highlighted what makes the town unique, “We don’t have any big box retail or chain stores on our Main Street. It’s one of the things that makes it special.”

Newcomers to the neighborhood, like The Handmade Hub, also depend on the holiday season for success.

The store, which opened last month, provides a marketplace for local crafters and artisans to sell their goods year-round.

Owner Paul Petrillo explained that the holiday season is crucial for building the store’s reputation and supporting vendors.

“The presence we make over the next 30 days is going to carry the reputation of the store and all of these vendors and farms,” he said.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, consumers spent $17 billion shopping locally on Small Business Saturday last year, underscoring the importance of the day for small businesses nationwide.

As the holiday season continues, Middletown’s local businesses are hopeful that the success of Small Business Saturday will carry them through the rest of the season, with many already open and ready for shoppers looking for unique gifts and local products.

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