Thousands of Connecticut companies taking part in Small Business Saturday are gearing up for the initiative to support local retailers.
“The people are extremely supportive. They’re loyal," said Mark O'Neil, who owns Essex Golf and Sportswear on Main Street in Old Saybrook. "We have a good local following so it makes it a lot of fun when you see the same customers in on a regular basis.”
O'Neil said he's not fazed by big box sporting goods stores.
"We like to think that they compete with us," he said.
Small Business Saturday is designed to help businesses like Essex Golf and Sportswear that have trouble going up against some of their larger and more expansive national counterparts.
“Black Friday is great for the Best Buys and Wal-Marts of the world but for small businesses like ours, we really need the Small Business Saturday," O'Neil said.
Gov. Dan Malloy made a point of mentioning Friday what his administration has done in its efforts to support small businesses. Through the Small Business Express Program, the state has awarded more than $170 million in grants for small businesses across Connecticut.
Local
Malloy is scheduled to take part in Small Business Saturday at a toy store in West Hartford.
Lynn Williams, who owns Silver Lining, a small jewelry and decor store in Old Saybrook, said small businesses like hers provide a particular touch that gets lost in the hustle and bustle of Black Friday.
"Everyone is happy-go-lucky and they want to be here, not at the box stores where they’re open on Thanksgiving because they have to be,” Williams said.
