Bethel Small Business Spotlight: Silver Touch

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Owner: Lorraine Schrameck
Website: www.silvertouchbethel.com
Address: 211 Greenwood Avenue Bethel, Conn.

How did you come up with the name?

My three sons and I were discussing several options and one of them came up with Silver Touch and we all liked it.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

Dolan Plaza is a busy strip mall, so I felt that the constant flow of people in and out all day would give Silver Touch good visibility.

Briefly, what business are you in?

We sell sterling silver jewelry as well as gift lines including Lenox, Primitives by Kathy, Sonoma Lavender and more.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Attracting new customers is always a challenge. You have to keep trying new things to build your business.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

Weathering the downturn in the economy that started in 2007 was a big challenge. At the time, I had two locations. New Fairfield did not survive, but the Bethel store held its own.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

Overall, I enjoy hearing customers share why they like shopping here. When they tell me that they always can find the perfect gift here at a good price, I feel like I am successful in achieving what I set out to do.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

We now keep a “Clearance Corner” year round, instead of just during sidewalk sale days.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

Fortunately, we don’t have too many but often people are just being difficult because they want to be heard. If you are understanding, sometimes they become less difficult to deal with.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

I have strong ties to the Bethel community, and try to help as many organizations as possible. I am currently a board member for Bethel Visiting Nurse Association, and have served on other boards in the past. It also helps the schools, churches, etc. when we donate items for raffles and auctions and participate in various fundraisers. This winter we helped the Dorothy Day Hospitality House by collecting blankets for their homeless shelter.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.

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