NORWICH – The holiday season is here, and with it the mass consumer frenzy that the season brings. Shopping carts will be bogged down with toys and gifts, but you don’t need to get in your car and head to the nearest mall to find them. City of Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano suggests you first take a look at what the streets of downtown Norwich have to offer.

Comparing Broad Street and the side streets around it to a shopping mall, Maiurano said, “almost anything you can find in the mall, you can find right here.” In addition to the merchandise, Norwich merchants provide personal service to their customers. Lisa Mody, owner of First Edition Bookstore, says if you want a book she does not have in stock, she will order it. Mody will even try to help you locate hard to find and out of print selections. Jim McNeil of McNeil Jewelers also tries to go the extra mile for his customers. In a manner reminiscent of Miracle on 34th Street, if he does not have what you are looking for, he will try to find out who does. “I may not have made the sale, but I’ve made a customer,” he said.

“Everyone downtown has a unique niche,” said Nancy Cushman. owner of Seasons. “I’m enthused and excited about downtown, and I appreciate the support of the community and the surrounding area.”