Roberta Staley wanted to do something to encourage New City residents to explore their options for shopping locally. She realized they needed incentives to make local purchases and many of the “” stores needed to let people know where they were located. That happens next Wednesday and Thursday when more than 30 stores, eateries and businesses in the Clarkstown Plaza on South Main Street offer discounts of five to 20 percent.
“I woke up one day and said we have to do something together,” said Staley, who owns Pet Palace with her husband, Doug. “I said let’s start small and begin with the one shopping center. I walked around to each store and presented my case.”
Her effort paid off with 31 stores in the plaza offering discounts on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 14 and 15. Participating stores sell everything from clothing, jewelry, handbags, cosmetics, eyeglasses, tires, groceries and flowers to a variety of sit-down and takeout foods and services such as a barber, dry cleaner and printer. To let prospective customers know they are offering discounts, each business will display some of the 300 multicolored balloons Staley is providing
She had 8,000 flyers printed, which list the participating merchants. Each store will distribute them to their customers. Staley, whose shop is located in the back section of the plaza facing Route 304, hopes it will encourage people to walk around and discover the variety of stores.
“I think if people knew every store was having a sale, they would come to the center and spend some time,” said the longtime Bardonia resident.
Michel Bien-Aime, owner of Ekizian’s Tuxedos agreed.
“I feel it’s a great idea to bring more customers to this area and try to let the community know we’re here,” he said.
In addition to generating business, Staley said there was one other reason why she wanted to help her fellow storeowners. After a 2009 fire, Pet Palace had to move out of its original location in the plaza. In the two years since that happened, Staley has organized an “Octoberfest” to thank firefighters for saving all the animals and to raise money for the fire department. Other storeowners helped with the event, which raised $1,300 last month. The Staleys have owned Pet Palace for 16 years.
Staley knows what she is doing next Wednesday and Thursday.
“I’m going to walk around and go shopping those days,” she said.
Staley thinks the event has potential.
“I definitely think it is something that can grow,” she explained. “Hopefully, I can continue it on with other holidays and events.”
Participating merchants
- Gelbart Jewelers
- Silcott’s Boutique
- Looking Good Optical
- Ekizian’s Tuxedos
- Helen’s Handbags
- Pet Palace
- Allure Carpet
- Rocco’s
- Curves
- Zambetti’s
- Yama Ya
- Big Daddy’s Liquors
- Goldberg’s Bagels
- Van Tassel Cleaners
- Rocket Wrapps
- Minuteman Press
- Dusty Rose
- New City Pizza
- Infinity
- New City Barber
- Kumo
- A&N Rappaport
- $ Zone
- Floral Palace
- First Wok
- Alter Ego
- Cosmetics by Michelle
- CB Kitchen
- DeCicco’s
- STS Tire & Auto
- Mr. Oz
