Â
Â
Amid the climate of a faltering national economy -and with the holiday season just around the corner – many small businesses are poised to take a hit in the coming months. Weary consumers, unsure of the long-term effects the downturn will have on their pocketbooks, are behaving cautiously. We spoke to a business manager and a shop owner in Shelton for a quick perspective on consumer trends and how they”™re choosing to alter their business models to mitigate the effects of a cautious consumer.
Â
Hawley Lane Shoes relocated from its 28-year run in Trumbull to the Shelton Square Shopping Center two years ago. (The store has two other locations in Norwalk and Stamford.) Store manager Amy Croteau-Belanger says times are obviously tough, but with a few tweaks to how Hawley Lane targets customers, business has remained pretty steady.
Â
“We”™ve seen a different retail climate,” said Croteau-Belanger. “People are more conservative and practical in their purchases, but we were expecting that and have tried to tailor our purchasing toward what people can afford, so we”™ve been pretty consistent. We”™re taking more time with customers to make sure their needs are met, making their shopping experience worthwhile by offering coupons and we”™re even sending thank you cards. We”™re taking it one day at a time.”
Â
Â
“We”™ve definitely seen a decline in business,” said Anta Walker, owner of Michael Richards Salon, located in the Shelton Square Shopping Center.
Â
“Our clients definitely want to come more, but they”™re watching what”™s happening with the economy right now and they”™re being careful.”
Â
For instance, said Walker, if her clients usually make appointments every four weeks, now they may chose to come every eight weeks instead. “It”™s sad,” she said. But she too is making concessions to bring in more business. Walker has been giving a little discount card to neighboring businesses so shoppers and store workers can take advantage of an inside deal.
Â
“We”™re seeing more business from that,” she said.
Â
The type of business Walker is in has also affected the way she approaches her business plan.
She comments on business in Shelton becoming saturated with salons and gyms. “I can tell you 10 nail salons between here and Howe Avenue,” said Walker. To keep up, Walker is focusing on her use of organic products as something that makes her stand out from the crowd.
Â
“I still anticipate people coming in for the holidays, though,” she said. “This time of year, beauty is a necessity.” After 15 years doing business in Shelton, Walker refuses to let a little economic slowdown dampen her spirits. “I”™m hopeful,” she said.
