Wilton-Based Business Organization Encourages WalMart Alternatives For CT Tax-Free Week

Press release:

The Neighborhood District Economic Development Corporation (NDEDC) encourages Connecticut residents to take advantage of tax-free week through shopping at locally-owned, independent retail stores through August 23rd.

“We want to let parents in Fairfield County know that the books and tools necessary to have students ready for their first day back to school can be found locally,” said Keith Rodgerson, NDEDC Executive Director. “Staff have chosen vibrant, long-standing CT businesses with strong records of customer and community service.”

This is the first year that the NDEDC has selected Connecticut businesses as alternatives to WalMart. “Locally-owned businesses return more money to the local economy and recirculate much more of their revenue than chain-owned stores. Connecticut is first in salaries in the nation. Its locally-owned retailers are an important component of that statistic.”

NDEDC promotes local businesses through its Neighborhood Vibrancy Initiative, a regional anti-vacancy initiative focused on neighborhood commercial sector vitality.

NDEDC’s 2014 CT Tax Week ‘Walternatives’:

Wilton Outdoor Sports Center, 80 Danbury Road, Wilton - 50 years ago John and Sidney Maxwell founded a company called The Ski Hut, in Wilton Center, as a way to share their family’s passion for skiing with the community.

In 1983 their son, Jack Maxwell changed our name toutdoor Sports Center, and moved to its current location. Jack’s dream was “to help grow and nurture respect for the outdoors by using it as our playground.” Today, it still is 100% family owned, many of their staff have been with them for 15 years or more, and they are proud to have customers that can recall their “Ski Hut” heritage.

“The Wilton Outdoor Sports Center has grown in half a century into one of the Northeast’s premier independently-operated retailers,” stated Rodgerson. http://www.outdoorsports.com

Max’s Art Supply, 68 Post Road East, Westport- This 59 year old landmark store is closing at the end of the month. For almost 6 decades Max’s has served as a social hub for painters, illustrators and cartoonists. Owner Shirley Mellor has had subsidized the business over the last few years as Westport grew out of its artist colony and marketing mecca status.

“Big box retailers, the internet and rising real estate prices in Westport have made it very difficult for traditional neighborhood stores like Max’s to flourish,” stated Rodgerson. Shoppers can find deeply discounted items through the end of the month. Those in the community can also have a chance to say ‘goodbye’ to this key downtown Westport retailer. http://maxsartsuppliesct.com

Heroes Comics and Cards, 197 Westport Avenue, Westport, CT - David Kruseki has been in business since 1995 carrying a full line of current comics, trade paperbacks and graphic novels, as well as t-shirts, toys, statues and all those other miscellaneous items that make going to the comic shop such a wonderful experience.

“Heroes represents an industry (comic books) that has forged its entire distribution around the goal of keeping independent retailers afloat,” said Rodgerson. http://www.heroescomicsandcards.com