NORWICH – A gathering of area entrepreneurs and small businesses descended upon the loft at The Label Gallery much like the first delicate snowfall of the holiday season.
The second incarnation of “Ladies Day Out: All I Want for Christmas,” an event geared toward capturing the essence of shopping locally for the holiday season, was a “huge success” according to organizer and host Donna Purdy of Norwich.
“27 vendors and well over 200 guests attended the event, many of them stayed for much of the day which indicates to me that we managed to what we set out to do,” said Purdy.
Purdy, along with Norwich business owner Chris Ulatowski of The Label Gallery, ultimately conceived the idea of a larger gathering to serve as an outlet for home based businesses that do not have the benefit of a brick and mortar storefront.
“Originally some friends of mine were looking to host 'home parties' at my home, which due to size I couldn't accommodate,” said Purdy. “At some point Chris and I had a very long discussion which resulted in him offering up the lobby of his Norwich business – and from there it just took off,” she said.
And take off it did. Soon, Purdy would add nearly 30 vendors to the itinerary which in turn taxed the vast space within Ulatowski's business. The event would eventually be held in a 5,000 square foot renovated loft above The Label Gallery.
“This couldn't have append without Chris, he worked tirelessly and was instrumental in the outcome of my vision,” said Purdy.
As for the vision, Purdy and Ulatowski looked to their shared idea of supporting local and independent merchants as a starting point.
“The driving force behind the event was to give local home-based businesses an outlet, even if for only one day,” said Purdy. Vendors set up booths, were entertained by a DJ and had the pleasure of being pampered with food and drink in a relaxed and open atmosphere.
Even with an emphasis placed on catering to the tastes of women, “A few men made it out and enjoyed themselves,” said Purdy. “When you walked in to the room, everything you could possibly want for Christmas was laid out on display—hence the 'All I Want for Christmas' theme,” she said.
Based upon feedback that Purdy has received since the engagement, “I really have no choice but to organize next year’s event,” Purdy said happily. “Last year we saw 200 attend, this year we saw a marked increase with nearly 250 in attendance, it was a great success,” Purdy said.
According to Purdy, both she and Ulatowski were happy to offer an opportunity for local entrepreneurs looking for a break. Much in the same vain, Purdy mentioned that she hopes that events like Ladies Day Out can continue to inspire consumers to “get out and shop local” at the upcoming Small Business Saturday, which takes place this year on Nov. 29.