‘Shop Small Stratford’ Returns For Holiday Season

STRATFORD, CT — The town of Stratford is encouraging residents to support small businesses as the Shop Small Stratford campaign kicks off the holiday shopping season.

Stratford Mayor Laura R. Hoydick has issued a proclamation declaring Saturday, Nov. 26 – the Saturday after Thanksgiving – “Shop Small Stratford Day" in conjunction with the national program, Small Business Saturday.

Mellow Monkey, a Stratford-based, award-winning boutique is spearheading the campaign with support from The Stratford Department of Economic and Community Development and The Milford Bank, according to a news release.

According to the proclamation, “small businesses have significant impacts when they are supported and that includes boosting the economy, creating a variety of jobs, contributing to the local community, and enhancing cultural vitality.” Further, “shopping small means directly supporting another member of the community and that is what strengthens our Town, both socially and financially.”

Hoydick, along with Mellow Monkey owner Howard Aspinwall, asks all locally-owned, independent business to participate in the initiative.

“Shop Small Stratford shines a light on small businesses on November 26th,” Hoydick said in the news release. “I encourage holiday shoppers to buy locally throughout the holiday season and beyond.”

The annual, one-day event capitalizes on Small Business Saturday, which is nationally sponsored by American Express. According to the Small Business Administration, of the new jobs created between 1995 and 2020, small businesses accounted for 62 percent - 12.7 million compared to 7.9 million by large enterprises.

For more information and updates on Shop Small Stratford, visit facebook.com/shopsmallstratford or instagram.com/shopsmallstratford.