Business

Editorial: ‘Moral’ Shopping in New Canaan

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One lesson I learned in seven years of studying Latin in the New Canaan Public Schools involves the word ‘mos.’ It’s a noun and in the singular it means habit or custom. In the plural, ‘mores,’ it translates as character because, taken together, a person’s habits and customs form his or her character. It’s where we get our word ‘morals.’

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At the time I launched NewCanaanite.com, nearly three years ago, convenience and cost alone guided my own spending habits. I only asked ‘Can I find it here in New Canaan?’ if I were downtown already and needed something straightaway. Yet today, before purchasing or signing up for anything, I consciously seek out a local retailer or service provider—a habit so ingrained that it’s become second nature, part of my character.

Business

New Canaan’s Most Popular Automobiles

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As anyone who tries to park on Elm Street knows, many New Canaanites share an affinity for cars —including sports cars and SUVs. To discern which vehicles are most popular in town, we reached out to the Town Assessor for the Taxable Motor Vehicle Property List. We compiled a list of New Canaan’s most popular automobiles broken down by makes and models, and also looked at the prevalence of some specialty cars. Here’s a look at makes:

 

Chevrolet stood out as the only motor vehicle company that ranked top-4 in popularity for both the overall make (2nd) and model (4th) among cars owned by New Canaanites. Asked about the ubiquitous Suburban, Karl Chevrolet Vice President of Sales Steve Karl said the vehicle “has been a choice of New Canaanites since it came out in 1935.”

Business

‘Early Bird Sales’ To Premiere Friday, Setting Up New Canaan Sidewalk Sales

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For 51 years, New Canaan has held its Sidewalk Sale & Village Fair in July. With the third week of the month already underway, New Canaan stores and shops have already started to set up for this weekend. Although the town has had this date set for every year, the Darien and Greenwich weekend sales fall on the same days this year. Expected to lose some of the crowd to the other towns, the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce has worked with stores and town officials that many expect will please bargain-hunters and merchants alike this year. For the first time, street-level stores downtown will hold ‘Early Bird Sales’ on Friday.

Around Town

‘Just a Fun, Family, Social Activity’: Wednesday Night Concerts at Waveny in Full Swing

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Since 1980, scores of New Canaanites each summer have descended on the grounds behind Waveny House for free, weekly concerts that are sponsored by local businesses. Featuring a wide array of music genres—from jazz and country to classic rock and oldies—the series is organized through the New Canaan Recreation Department and has emerged over the years as a staple of family-friendly summertime activity in town. Though the kickoff concert this year was held on the same evening as New Canaan High School graduation and the even of the last day of school for the district, some 400 or 500 people still turned out for the show, according to Recreation Director Steve Benko. Since then, the weekly crowds have climbed upwards of 800 attendees, he said. “It’s just a nice night out with the family,” Benko said.

Business

Friday ‘Launch,’ New Entertainment Coming to New Canaan’s 51st Village Fair and Sidewalk Sale

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Faced with the unusual prospect of nearby towns holding their own sidewalk sales on the very same day, organizers of New Canaan’s event said many local businesses will kick off a full day early this year. Combined with the town’s uniquely community-oriented event, the strategy is designed to entice shoppers to come to New Canaan both on Friday, July 15—when first-floor businesses will set up tables on a portion of the sidewalk—as well as on  Saturday, July 16 for the full Village Fair and Sidewalk Sale. According to Tucker Murphy, executive director of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, the entertainment and accessible layout will set New Canaan’s event apart. “We’re confident everyone comes to New Canaan for not only great bargains but a family affair,” Murphy said. On Saturday, more than 100 organizations and vendors will line up along Main, Elm and Forest Streets, which are closed to motor vehicle traffic, and a food court will be located in the Pop-Up Park, according to the chamber.