Why Small Businesses Matter
made possible by support from Fairfield County Bank
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
You’re IT Against the Grain!
Three questions with Chris Meier, owner of Against the Grain.
Why did you start your business?
I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit and I felt that I had a niche theme and collection of products that could really work in the Fairfield County area. We always felt there was such great hand-made products being made by craftsmen all over the country but there were very few stores that were showcasing these products. Our collection of hand-crafted, made-in-the-USA products and furniture was carefully selected by attending many shows and craft fairs, along with getting to know our craftsmen on a personal level. We feel we are a great place to come and pick out that unique gift or design that custom indoor or outdoor furniture set that would be perfect for home or apartment.
Best selling product/service?
By far our best product line is our hand-made, custom, outdoor polylumber furniture. It's made of 100% recycled plastic, is weather-proof, environmentally friendly, and can be custom ordered to any color or dimension. We have exclusive relationships with the most skilled and experienced craftsmen in Pennsylvania and our reputation is growing as the highest quality outdoor furniture on the market.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
We have partnered up with a number of different businesses and organizations which has allowed us to provide them with our furniture and get our name out there.
- Joe's Pizza- furniture outside for customers
- Groove- New Canaan - Bench on Elm Street in front of store with matching signature store colors
- Town of Greenwich- supplied all the outdoor benches and octagon picnic tables for the brand new town pool at Byram Park
- Greenwich Yacht Club- provided all the Adirondack Chairs for the member's clubhouse
- Aetheria Spa- provided the nice counter, outdoor chair for their outdoor Zen spot
- Garelick & Herbs- New Canaan- Provided benches for storefront area
Stop by Against the Grain and see what this local business can do for you! Located at 91 Main Street, New Canaan.
Against the Grain would like to tag Joe’s Pizza in New Canaan, “This has been a staple of New Canaan for 30 years and the owner Lorenzo is the nicest guy you can meet.”