Curran encourages local holiday shopping

Last Friday afternoon, outside of Matty’s Toy Stop in Rockville Centre, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran was joined by the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce and the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency to announce the “Shop Safe, Shop Local Scavenger Hunt,” encouraging residents to shop and dine at small businesses struggling from the impact of the pandemic.

It’s Nassau’s second annual scavenger hunt to promote shopping local during the holiday season; however, this year it has been expanded from one day to one week. The event will kick off this Saturday, Nov. 28, and run through Friday, Dec. 4. There will be one winner each day and no repeat winners will be allowed. The first to complete the hunt each day successfully will receive a $100 gift card, courtesy of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, to be used to shop locally.

“Laura Curran and other local politicians like Anthony D’Esposito and Todd Kaminsky have been extremely supportive to small businesses since the shutdown in March,” said Jeannine Palladino, owner of Jeannine’s Gifts located at 6 N. Park Ave. in Rockville Centre. “It’s really been a struggle and I admire how hard they’ve worked to keep small businesses going,” she added.

For rules on the contest and to print the “Shop Safe, Shop Local Scavenger Hunt,” go to www.nassaucountyny.gov/shoplocal. All purchases must be made at small businesses located within the same community in Nassau County.

Chris Evans, owner of Press 195 restaurant located at 22 N. Park Ave., said he’s a big fan of Curran’s and appreciates everything she’s done to assist struggling business owners.

“Supporting local businesses is more important than ever,” Evans said. “These times are very difficult for many.”

At the news conference, Curran urged consumers to do their spending at local small businesses. “Our small businesses, especially those in our once bustling downtowns, that employ so many of our neighbors, families and friends, are struggling to survive,” Curran said. “You can help throw them a lifeline just by doing your holiday shopping at the mom and pop shops in your community — rather than online or at big box retailers. I hope residents take advantage of this engaging shopping game and have some fun while supporting and safely exploring local small businesses —you never know the hidden gems you may find.”

Richard Kessel, chairman of the Nassau County IDA, added, “The Industrial Development Agency and our sister organization, the Local Economic Assistance Corporation, have worked tirelessly during this pandemic to do what we could to assist small businesses during these challenging times, including loans and PPE giveaways. This is just another effort of support to promote shopping safely and shopping locally to support the brick-and-mortar businesses that are the fabric of this county.”

Small Business Saturday was first launched by American Express in 2010 to promote shopping at small businesses in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This collaborative event expands on Small Business Saturday and is intended to highlight the economic impact and importance of shopping and dining locally.

“The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce is proud to be partnering with Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and the Nassau County IDA in this our second annual scavenger hunt,” said Julia Marchsella, past president of the NCCC. “We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize our local business owners and chamber members who eagerly await your safe shopping experience.”