Bethel Introduces Holiday Shop Early Shop Local Campaign

“October is the new December,” a mantra coined by the American Booksellers Association, alerts shoppers to the new reality of holiday shopping in a Covid-19 world. That reality is behind the Bethel Department of Economic Development’s Shop Early Shop Local campaign. According to department director Janice Chrzescijanek, “There is a consensus that holiday shopping is starting in October this year. People want to avoid crowds, make sure items are available and that shipped items arrive on time.” Additionally, with people spending far less money on travel, many are opting for a more old-fashioned holiday at home.                                                                  

Combined, these factors are expected to result in shoppers preferring local retailers, versus malls. Online ordering is also expected to benefit, and Bethel retailers and restaurants have responded with more robust – or even new – websites. Dennis Janofsky, owner of Quality Gem jewelers, has unveiled a new website. Although the store is currently open by appointment only, shoppers can browse the website at their leisure and in advance of an easy-to-make appointment.                  

Kim Ramsey has beefed up The Toy Room’s website for online ordering. Like many Bethel retailers, she offers curbside pick-up and shipping, and in early November plans to offer time slots for private shopping. Alice Hutchinson’s Byrd’s Books has a well-honed online presence. She considers her independent bookstore a hybrid between brick-and-mortar and online shopping. “People should consider Halloween the deadline for ordering books, as the supply chain is tight due to the pandemic,” said Hutchinson. She adds that safe shopping is her top priority. While the store offers phone consultation and special ordering, it is open to a limited number of shoppers, and after closing she and her son, Steve, clean it.                         

“Because so many of our businesses support community causes and events, money spent at local establishments is more likely to stay here,” said Chrzescijanek. John Fulton, of John Fulton Diamond Jewelers, supports the SCOTTY Fund for seriously ill children. The Toy Room helps with back-to-school backpack programs. Alice Hutchinson supports DAWS (Danbury Animal Welfare Society) and, in fact, is the honoree of the 2020 DAWS Annual Ball, to be held virtually on Oct. 24. Perry Anastasakis’ Famous Pizza has donated countless pizzas and, since it opened in 1982, has sponsored a team in every youth sport every year.                                              

During Covid-19 Bethel businesses, particularly restaurants, expanded their outreach. Jeff Taibe, of Taproot, House of Yoshida’s Ari Akai, and Lisa Tassone, owner of La Zingara, Ecco and partner in Broken Symmetry, set up a GoFundMe page in the spring to raise funds to feed hospital workers, people losing their jobs, and the elderly. In addition, the program helped keep their restaurant staffs employed.                

Bruce Lyon’s Victoria’s Wood Fired Pizza introduced discounts to first responders. Famous Pizza started Pie It Forward in the spring and, with the support of local businesses, organizations and individuals, for the remainder of the school year provided pizzas to schools’ Monday Pizza Lunch Day. “What started with a simple intention to help those in need turned into a huge community effort with amazing support,” said Anastasakis.                                                                                      

Chrzescijanek urges everyone to keep the campaign in mind this holiday season: “Everyone benefits when we Shop Early Shop Local.”  

Caption: Perry Anastasakis, owner of Famous Pizza, whose restaurant is one of many local businesses that regularly give back to the community.

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Submitted by Bethel, CT

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