MONROE, Conn. — Bouquets of green balloons will adorn the entrances to small businesses participating in Monroe Business Appreciation Day this Saturday, when customers can take advantage of discounts and enter raffles to win prizes.
On Friday, Monroe Economic Development Commission members, who are sponsoring the event, will set up an assembly line to prepare the balloons, designed with shamrocks in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.
Chairman Ray Giovanni said 76 businesses, ranging from retail stores and health and beauty services to restaurants, are participating — requiring five balloons a piece.
Kosal Eang, who owns Framed by Kosal at Chuck’s Corner, 150 Main St., is enthusiastic about the event.
“I’ve been here 11 years and I’ve had quite a few people say they never knew I was here,” he said Tuesday. “This type of event allows people to take the time to explore all of the types of businesses Monroe has. We build long term relationships with our customers. This is what small businesses have to offer.”
Framed by Kosal will offer 15 percent off of custom picture framing and will raffle off a framed etching this Saturday.
On Monroe Business Appreciation Day, customers can win raffles at stores and have their passports stamped. Passports will later be turned in at any participating business to be entered into drawings for more prizes from the EDC.
The EDC’s prizes were donated by Monroe businesses.
Eang said Framed by Kosal will donate a framed map of Monroe from 1867 to the EDC raffle.
An immunity boost
At a time when coronavirus is dominating the news, clients can take advantage of the services offered by Local Ann Aesthetics, 238 Monroe Turnpike, which includes IV treatments for hydration, energy restoration and boosting your immune system.
Its owner, Ann Yoney, a nationally board certified Adult Nurse Practitioner, also holds a Master’s degree in human nutrition. She will have a raffle for $50 off any service. Yoney also donated a $100 gift certificate to the EDC’s raffle.
Yoney said events like Monroe Business Appreciation Day are an important way to support small businesses.
“Sometimes when you get big box stores or large corporations things aren’t as personal, and you want to be able to speak with the person whose providing the service,” she said. “You want accessibility to them.”
At Local Ann Aesthetics, Yoney is the only one her clients deal with.
Intrinsic Health Source, which is also located at 238 Monroe Turnpike, offers skin care, facials and massages among its services.
On Saturday, new clients can take advantage of its running offer of $45 off their first appointment and a discount for their second one.
Jeannine Capria, owner of Intrinsic Health Source, donated gift certificates for massages and facials to the EDC raffle and she will hold her own raffle for a wellness gift package that includes skin care products and wellness items, including items such as a reflexology ball, yoga mat and foam roller.
Everyone who visits that day will also receive a small gift.
Capria said Monroe Business Appreciation Day is a great opportunity to visit businesses one may not even know existed, as well as for business owners to showcase their services.
Books and beauty
Pia Ledina of Turning the Page bookstore, 477 Main St., is running a “Let Us Thank You!” sale Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It’s “a huge inventory sale at prices up to 50 percent off,” she said.
Those visiting Salon Aponte in Tollgate Plaza, 838 Main St., Saturday will receive a gift bag with a coupon for a complimentary haircut or blow dry or $3 off any retail product, as well as a sample hair product.
Shoppers spending $50 or more on full priced items at Lorraine K. Boutique in Clock Tower Square, 477 Main St., will receive a $10 discount Saturday.
“We are also introducing our brand new Monroe T-shirts,” said Lorraine McGowan, owner of the store. “They are designed by a company in Newtown and we are the only store carrying them. We are very excited to promote Monroe with these shirts.”
Lorraine K. Boutique will also hold an in-store-raffle for a $25 gift certificate and is donating a $50 gift certificate to the EDC for its raffle.
Some businesses are taking the opportunity to support each other.
Sippin Energy Products donated a gift certificate to the Mason Jar Monroe, a trendy women’s boutique at 266 Main St., for the EDC’s raffle.
Lori Miller, who owns The Mason Jar with her sister, Courtney DeLallo, said their store will offer discounts inside balloons customers will have to pop to receive.
The Last Drop coffee shop, 435 Main St., has partnered with Lorraine Malewicki, a local entrepreneur who will have items from her business, Whimsy & Co., on display.
The coffee shop will also offer food and drink specials Saturday, with giveaways and raffles.
For a complete listing of all 76 participating businesses, click here.
