Your Chamber in the News
Below are some articles featuring our Chamber family and your Greenwich Chamber.
July 7, 2021
Elizabeth Casolo
Image: Stella Santini
Start Your Engines! Greenwich Sidewalk Sales, the "Largest Shopping Event of the Year" Start on Thursday!
O’Kane strives for Greenwich to become “a destination” for the event. Non-Greenwich residents have been contacting the town’s Chamber of Commerce, requesting restaurant and accommodation recommendations during the Sidewalk Sale Days.
- Marcia O’Kane, President and CEO Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
“I think what Sidewalk Sales represents is a huge amount of exposure for every business… There are customers coming from all over.”
- Milly Harris, Manager, Faherty
June 16, 2021
Ken Boruk
Image: Matthew Brown/Hearst Connecticut Media
Greenwich retailers prepare for 'celebration' with return of sidewalk sales
“The timing of Sidewalk Sales this year couldn’t be better. Because of COVID our business community lost a full year of commerce, so retailers are anxious for shoppers to come back. For many shops, this one event represents a large percentage of their total annual net profit.”O’Kane predicted that shoppers “will be thrilled to once again have the experience of a morning, afternoon or full day of enjoying incredible outdoor bargains.”
- Marcia O’Kane, President and CEO Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
June 15, 2021
Richard Kaufman
Image: Harry Zernike/Patch
Greenwich Sidewalk Sales Days To Take Place July 8-11
"We ask everyone to come out and support our local retailers in central Greenwich. After a challenging year of COVID, retailers are anxious to get back to normal and invite shoppers to visit their stores to take advantage of the sales. We encourage everyone to make this a full day outing and try some of the new restaurants in town as well. Wear comfortable shoes, bring your masks and be prepared for some great bargains. And, don't forget to visit The Chamber's Facebook page to see a preview of many of the sales."
Shoppers can also follow The Chamber on Instagram and through two official hashtags for this event: #GreenwichSidewalkSales and #GSS2021.
- Marcia O’Kane, President and CEO Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
May 19, 2021
Richard Kaufman
Image: Harry Zernike/Patch
Greenwich Enters New Normal As Most COVID Restrictions Are Lifted
"There is euphoria coming from both shoppers and retailers as the mask mandate is being lifted because it signals our return to a new normal... We are slowly re-emerging from a long period of isolation into a new light."
- Marcia O’Kane, President and CEO Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
May 11, 2021
News 12 Staff
We're Open: Katie Fong The Boutique
When Channel 12 News asked our Chamber President, Marcia O’Kane for a name of a local entrepreneur to profile, she was quick to mention Katie Fong, owner of Katie Fong Collection, located at 60 Lewis Street. Katie is a true Greenwich visionary who creates custom design clothing for women from gowns to dresses and separates. We are happy to share this video highlighting this amazing designer.
May 5, 2021
Ken Borsuk
Image: Tyler Sizemore | Hearst Ct Media
Art to the Avenue returns as Greenwich transforms into a gallery
“Businesses, shoppers, residents and retailers all benefit from this iconic event that showcases both art and commerce.
This year Art to the Avenue will provide a special impetus for everyone to come out in a safe environment to enjoy local art. The timing is perfect as crowd restrictions are gradually being lifted and as the weather becomes warmer. Retailers are anxious to welcome new faces who are now ready to view art and visit stores.”
- Marcia O’Kane, President and CEO Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
Apr. 3, 2021
Robert Marchant
Image: Hearst Ct Media
'You can get anything you want:' Restaurant sector surging in Greenwich after a lean COVID year
Marcia O’Kane, president of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, said the activity in the restaurant sector along Greenwich Avenue is heartening. While it is hard to predict future trends, it is likely that consumers will have the last word on the dining scene, she said.
“Over the years, the restaurant scene on Greenwich Avenue and surrounding streets has seen continual change. Just a few years ago, the lower end of the Avenue was deemed to be quiet,” she said. “Now that area represents a consortium of diverse eateries that are popular both at lunch and in the evening, especially during good weather.
“We are likely to see the same type of rebirth of restaurants on the upper blocks of Greenwich Avenue, as people are now eager to get out of the house and dine, the public will decide whether the influx of new restaurants in town will end up being temporary or longstanding.”
- Marcia O’Kane, President and CEO Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
Mar. 28, 2021
Robert Marchant
Image: Hearst Ct Media
Pop-up stores in Greenwich offer a taste of retail
“The trend is also an incubator for small business and entrepreneurship, often with local roots, it’s a way of encouraging small businesses to get started. And these small businesses give real flavor and character to the town.”
- Diane Roth, Greenwich Chamber Membership Board Chair
“The recent increase in pop-up stores is a positive trend for our town, vacant storefronts are being filled with new retailers who are often are testing the water to determine customer demand before committing to a full lease.The chic little stores along the Avenue such as Féroce, allow customers a new shopping experience that they otherwise might not have."- Marcia O’Kane, President and CEO Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
Mar. 12, 2021
RJ Scofield
Image: Patch
The RealReal Opens New Store Location On Greenwich Avenue
"The RealReal is a fresh approach to luxury consignment, they are a wonderful fit for Greenwich Avenue and another way for shoppers to find bargains on authentic high-end items.”
- Marcia O’Kane, President and CEO Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
"Greenwich Avenue was the most ideal location, because it's not only convenient for our local customers, but it's also a premiere shopping destination for neighboring communities in New York and New Jersey."
- Tori Cornish, The RealReal
Mar. 10, 2021
RJ Scofield
Image: Patch
Online Eyewear Brand Opens First Pop-Up Store On Greenwich Avenue
"There is a new excitement in the air as restaurants and stores are preparing for the March 19 easing by the government. There truly is light ahead for all businesses after a very long and challenging year."
- Marcia O’Kane, President and CEO Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
Feb. 28, 2021
Robert Marchant
Image: Hearst Ct Media
Housing opportunities would expand with proposals for central Greenwich
“This is an innovative proposal for the usage of these sites. There would certainly be a demand for residential housing on the lower end of The Avenue with immediate access to shopping. There is also the need to offer housing to diverse and underserved populations. So it will be interesting to see what finally transpires.”
- Marcia O’Kane, President and CEO Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
Feb. 26, 2021
RJ Scofield
Image: Patch
Gofer Ice Cream Reopens In Greenwich, Plans Stamford Location
“Ice cream lovers in town who have been patiently waiting will be thrilled to hear about Gofer's re-opening, the timing couldn't be more perfect with spring and summer not too far away."
- Marcia O’Kane, President and CEO Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
Jan. 30, 2021
Paul Schott
Photo: Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Ct Media
‘A great opportunity:’ Barneys at Saks joins the luxury lineup on Greenwich Ave
“The marriage of these two high-end brands is an excellent fit, it certainly speaks to the optimism of Saks about the near-term future of our local retail community.”
“We continue to hear that certain stores on the Avenue, especially lifestyle brands and those devoted to interior home design, are doing well; however, many smaller service providers and restaurants continue to experience significant pressure from the challenges of COVID. Hopefully the second round of government financing will adequately support these businesses.”
- Marcia O’Kane, President and CEO Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
Jan. 29, 2021
RJ Scofield
Photo: Shutterstock/Patch
The Lion, A New American Bistro, To Open In Greenwich This Year
Patch asked various leaders in town what their new year's resolution is for Greenwich, or their department, in 2021. Here's what they said.
It is encouraging to see a new business open on the western side of town, where there is potential for business development."
- First Selectman Fred Camillo
"Residents of Glenville very much miss Centro, which was a local meeting and dining spot for many in that area for years, they will undoubtedly be very happy to hear that such a reputable owner as Ron Rosa is planning to open a new restaurant in that area of town."
- Marcia O'Kane, President and CEO Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
Jan. 5, 2021
Robert Marchant
‘Get with the new wave:’ Greenwich businesses adapt to survive COVID-19
“We have lots of reasons to be optimistic. We took a real negative and a scary time and businesses adjusted, they did things differently,”
Becoming flexible and seeking new opportunities became key themes for businesses in 2020.
- First Selectman Fred Camillo
“We had an absolutely fabulous holiday season. Better than anticipated,”.
-Katja Shrouder, manager of new Jenni Kayne
Dec. 30, 2020
RJ Scofield
Greenwich Leaders' New Year's Resolutions For 2021
Patch asked various leaders in town what their new year's resolution is for Greenwich, or their department, in 2021. Here's what they said.
"[This year] demonstrated how resilient our local businesses were in overcoming incredible challenges. We witnessed countless examples of innovation, courage and kindness as everyone pulled together in ways we never could have previously imagined. May we carry these lessons into the New Year while embracing those things that will continue to sustain us: supporting local business, staying connected and helping each other."
- Marcia O'Kane, President of Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
Oct. 20, 2020
RJ Scofield
Greenwich Chamber Pivots To Boost Businesses Amid Coronavirus
During a "difficult and challenging" year, local businesses say the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce has been a vital resource for many.
"In what can be a competitive industry, it's wonderful to have an organization in the community who has your back and wants you to succeed.""
- Davis Feliz, Owner of Davis Feliz Salon