Seven new businesses opened their doors in New Haven just in time for Small Business Saturday, when customers are encouraged to shop locally and support their neighbors.
One of those businesses belongs to Stephen Clemente, who opened a branch of his olive oil store in New Haven as a homecoming of sorts.
“I was born in New Haven, I was raised on Olive Street, ironically enough, so when Yale approached me about coming here to the shops at Yale, it was really an unbelievable opportunity,” said Clemente, owner of the Extra Virgin Oil Store.
The new businesses are located in the Chapel Street and Broadway Districts and the city is setting them up for success.
“Small businesses are more likely to be locally-owned. They're more likely to be supplied by other local businesses. They're more likely to have accounts at local banks and with local merchants, and they're more likely to have employees who live and shop locally,” said New Haven Mayor Toni Harp.
To make it easier for people to shop small on Saturday, the Town Green District is paying the fees for 190 parking meters, so that customers don't have to.
“So if you see a white bag that says 2 hours free parking, take advantage of it. Come on downtown, shop, the parking is on us for Small Business Saturday,” said Win Davis, executive director of the Town Green District.
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There is also a free Saturday parking promotion that has been temporarily moved from the Crown Street Garage to the Temple Street garage on Nov. 29 due to a daytime event at the Shubert. Park New Haven will have signs redirecting shoppers to that garage.
New Haven is also hoping that road construction and paving in the area wraps up by Friday, so shoppers have an easy time getting in and around the city.
