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“We knew it was going to be a challenging year,” Grünberger Jewelers owner James Grünberger said. Shoppers were deterred a bit this year because the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School was so devastating and close to Stamford that people cut back on their holiday activities, he said.
To try to make up for the drop in business, the jewelry store embarked in on-line and e-mail advertising, and will hold a sale Jan. 2, the owner said. Both are unusual for the store to do, he said, adding he is confident that his business will see better times soon.
“There is a reason we have been Stamford’s jeweler for over 100 years,” Grünberger said.
Nick Tarzia, owner of Stamford Toys and Books, felt that more people came to the store looking to celebrate the holidays as a way to relax and take their minds off of the tragedy.
“It went fantastic,” he said, adding that it was better than he hoped, “We’re very happy.”
He also credited the expansion his store underwent earlier this year as part of what helped his business, because the larger selection he now offers fills more shoppers’ needs at one location.
"It was definitely a plus,” Tarzia said, adding that many customers told him how much they like the bigger store.
The busy season has not ended for Stamford Toys and Books, as Tarzia has been helping parents return, exchange, and even buy more gifts since Christmas Eve.
“I can never complain,” he said, adding that he will try to help customers any way he can.
Several other businesses were contacted for this story, but did not respond to The Daily Voice before the story was published.
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