Jan 1, 2009

Businesses weather economyBy Eleanor BallNorwichBulletin.com

Colchester, Conn. — Despite the recent financial crisis on Wall Street, many Colchester business owners say their loyal customers keep coming back.

Even before a national recession was declared, the motto on bags given out at the Colchester Business Showcase in September was, “Shop Colchester First.” Businesses in Colchester and the Colchester Business Association sponsor or co-sponsor several community activities.

The Tag Sale on the Green in June, The Scarecrow Contest in October, food and fuel drives, blood drives, scholarships and concerts on the green are just some of the many events sponsored by Colchester businesses. In addition, many members of the Colchester Lions Club and the Rotary are Colchester business owners or employees.

Lori Dickinson, owner of An Enchanted Florist, is one of those owners who is pleasantly surprised by how well holiday business has been.

“Business has been good,” Dickinson said. “I’ve actually been very busy for the holiday season. I really didn’t think it would be as busy as it was.” Dickinson did note that customers chose to spend less.

“Even though flowers are an extra, customers are still sending them. With the economy, I can’t complain,” Dickinson said. “The price of gas has been dropping, which helps for delivery.”

Debbie Leone, the owner of Wild Geese Gift Shop, agreed regular customers have driven her sales.

“Actually, we did pretty good,” Leone said. “We had our regular customers come in. We didn’t buy a lot of stuff (for inventory).”

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