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Date: 8/3/2023
SOMERS — James O’Hearn, chair of the Somers Economic Development Commission, sees potential in Somers, a community home to approximately 150 diverse businesses. The town is more than a pass-through on Route 190.
The commission wants to boost the visibility for Somers’ businesses of all sizes, a task not without its challenges. “There’s more to Somers than meets the eye,” O’Hearn said.
Besides stalwarts like Geissler’s Supermarket, Sonny’s Place, and the Worthington Pond Winery, Somers boasts eight restaurants, several locally-owned banks, national brands, and new offerings like Vintage Furnishings, the Daily Grind, Big Y Express Gas Station, KK’s This and That, Haven Yoga and the Pooch Crew.
Parking constraints and the town’s predominantly residential and agricultural character often overshadow commercial activity. But in the spirit of innovation, O’Hearn prefers to see these obstacles as opportunities for growth.
To tackle the visibility issue, the commission partnered with Bludot, a local software company, to introduce an online business directory. It’s a one-stop solution on the town’s website for residents and visitors to explore businesses that call Somers home.
“Despite some initial accessibility issues, our digital outreach efforts are beginning to pay off,” O’Hearn admits. “We are constantly improving this tool and making it more user-friendly.”
Addressing practical challenges like parking during busy periods, especially the holiday season, is another top priority for the commission.
As part of its initiative to support local businesses, the commission plans to participate in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25, the annual event encouraging shopping at independent establishments.
O’Hearn announced a shuttle service for shoppers that day to enhance the shopping experience in Somers. The shuttle service will stop at key business locations, helping shoppers navigate the town more easily.
Despite its rural charm, Somers is not just a “quiet little town” in Connecticut. It’s a town with an emerging economic identity. O’Hearn envisions a local economy where residents consider Somers’ businesses their first choice for shopping and services.
He added that people who move to Somers often maintain their buying habits or loyalties to their previous town, not considering the nearby options. “Despite the challenges, it’s only a matter of time until our efforts bear fruit,” O’Hearn insists. “After all, it takes time for momentum to catch up.”
He remains confident in the promise of Somers as a hub for small businesses, a sentiment shared by local entrepreneurs like Kelly Bouchard, the owner of the Daily Grind Health Hangout.
Bouchard believes in the potential of Somers for small businesses. Hailing from neighboring Ellington, Bouchard’s affinity for the Somers community influenced her decision to establish her business there.
“The business community in Somers is amazing,” Bouchard said. She praises the small-town appeal, noting the tightly-knit community has yet to disappoint her. “I love this community. I love that it’s small.”
Bouchard emphasizes the unique opportunities for personal interaction small business ownership provides. “You’re not coming in here and just getting a smoothie. I get to know my customers. That’s the difference,” she explained.
She experiences a rush of morning customers who want to begin their day on a healthy footing. The afternoon crowd seeks a healthy meal replacement, with the customers trending younger.
Bouchard acknowledges the challenges a more remote location like Somers presents for businesses but believes that digital strategies can help. “At this point, if we’re not on social media, how do we promote ourselves?” she wondered.
She often participates in community events and meets with other business owners for potential partnerships.
Despite the hurdles brought on by COVID-19, Bouchard remains optimistic about her future in Somers. She sees opportunities for the town’s further growth post-pandemic and expects new businesses to emerge.
Bouchard believes that healthy competition will maintain a supportive business environment. “I knew that I wasn’t going to be at that. I will outgrow it because it’s ever-evolving,” she said, referring to Somers’s scope for growth and evolution.
For Bouchard, doing business in Somers is about more than just selling products; it’s about becoming a part of the community. “I’m not just here to make you shakes and teas. I want to get to know you. I want to be a part of the community,” she said.