LETTER: An 'Apparent Hostility to Small Business'

A local business owner questions the support of small businesses as a result of the sign bylaws.

Susan LaDue, owner of the Doggie Den, sent this letter to the editor in response to a recent article about updating sign bylaws in Northborough I am sick and tired of the abuse that rains down on Northborough's small businesses, particularly those on Blake Street. Business owners pay substantial rents so that our landlords can pay substantial town taxes. The vast majority of us are not millionaires. On the contrary, most of us worry about paying our bills just like everyone else. Yet, we get treated badly for struggling to keep our heads above water, while big money outfits such as Northborough Crossing get the red carpet treatment from the town, and a warm welcome from residents who shop there.  Last summer, small businesses lost a lot of…

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IMAGE GALLERY: Patch the Reindeer and his Fans

Patch the Reindeer (PTR) met some fans this weekend as he hopped the Holiday Trolley.

Patch the Reindeer had never been to Northborough before. And he'd never ridden a trolley. Not one to be fearful, folks were more than helpful with Patch, helping him find his way around. He made a lot of friends along the way. Check out the Patch Reindeer photo gallery. Have shots you want to add to our Holiday Trolley gallery? Please do!

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Doing Small Biz Strut Style, Patti Murphy Creates Awareness for Local Shopping

Patti Murphy, owner of Strut in Northborough, is a huge proponent of shopping local. Here's why.

Patti Murphy, owner of Strut, said she's thankful for her loyal clients who believe in boutique shopping and awesome customer service. Still, she's made it a mission to convince others of the importance of shopping locally, particularly in a sluggish economy. Chat with Murphy, and she'll inevitably talk up the 3/50 Project, an awareness site that explains, in detail, the importance of shopping at an independent retailer. The concept is simple. The project asks that you pick three independent businesses you would miss if they should close; visit those three businesses, and purchase something. If half the employed population spent $50 each month in a local business, it would generate 42.6 billion in revenue, claims the site.  Murphy is a …

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Flash Sales and More at Epiphany

Epiphany celebrates Small Business Saturday in a big way.

Epiphany Children's Boutique in Northborough is psyched about Small Business Saturday. To celebrate, the store is offering 20 percent off your total purchase if you spend $50 or more. Also, buy a pair of Tea Leggings and get another at 50 percent off. And, check Epiphany's Facebook page for "flash sales" posted throughout the day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Today is it!! It's Small Business Saturday!! Today at Epiphany- Spend $50 or more and get 20% your total purchase! and buy 1 pair of Tea Leggings get one 50% off! Also watch for Flash Sales on Facebook throughout the day! We are open today 10am-5pm

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Small Biz Saturday Deal: Crafts and Cupcakes

Craftworks is offering a yummy deal for Small Business Saturday.

Spend $50 or more in the new Craftworks in Northborough on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26, and get a coupon for a free gourmet cupcake at the all new CocoBeni Confections. CocoBeni recently opened at 247A West Main St. in Northborough, and concentrates on baking gourmet cupcakes with a homemade touch. All pastries are from the oven of certified pastry chef Mary Beth Benison. 

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Frost Ends Apple Picking Abruptly at Tougas

Monday night's frost put a freeze on the last few days of planned apple picking at Tougas.

Monday night's frost but a final freeze on the last few days of plans to be open for apple picking at Tougas Family Farm. As reported on its Facebook page, "due to the hard freeze last night, apple picking is closed for the season." Still, there are 15 varieties to choose from in the Farm Store, and Tougas is offering specials: buy two pies, get a quart of ice cream free; buy one half bushel of apples and get a second half bushel for 50 percent off; 20 percent off all quarts and gallons of ice cream. Tougas is open on Tuesday, Nov. 22, and Wednesday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. And that's it, Northborough pickers.

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The Exchange, More Than Just a Store

Exchange owner Sue Whitney uses her location to help others.

Recently, a woman stopped in to the Exchange Boutique in Northborough, crying to owner Sue Whitney because she was always cold. At 80 years old, she was undergoing chemotherapy treatments for cancer. She had been given a wig at the hospital, but it was "horrible."  Insurance would not pay for a nice wig, so Whitney donated one from the store. "It was simply beautiful on her," said Whitney. "I also furnished her with a warm coat, a hat and a scarf. To her, it meant the world, and to me, it was worth everything to put a smile on this woman's face for the first time in a long time." Now, Whitney has decided to collect these items at the store. Scarves, hats and new wigs can be dropped off at the Exchange, where they are then transported to …

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