With Outages Abundant, Businesses Get Creative

The promotions are frequent, and some are nothing short of inspired.

Williams & Company Spa is offering a free shower with every manicure. is bringing people in by offering to store their perishables in the deli fridge.

"Businesses are getting creative," said Carol Wilder-Tamme, president of the .

Hurricane Irene has wreaked havoc on much of Darien's business community: many stores are still without power and struggling to operate at all.

But the challenges of the storm have created opportunities — at least for the businesses that can seize them. Darien's wide-spread power outages and school closings have brought more people out on Main Street.

"At some of the shops, people are going in and saying 'I deserve this, I'm having such a hard time,'" Wilder-Tamme said.

owner Bill Jensen said he's been promoting puzzles and board games which have been selling well this week.

"Games you can play without having to hook up to electricity, that type of thing," he explained.

And restaurants that offer takeout are seeing a steady stream of costumers, as Darienites dine out because their stoves and fridges are offline.

"We always get busy in times like this," said David Johnson, the chef and owner at . "I assume all the restaurants that are open are busy."

Johnson hasn't had to offer Darien families much to pack his tables - a hot meal is enough. "We're seeing lots of families come in," he said.