Small Business Spotlight: Swim N Surf of Fairfield

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.

Business: Swim N Surf of Fairfield
Owners: Kathryn Kirton and Kelly McGee
Website: www.swimnsurf.com
Address & TOWN: 43 Unquowa Road Fairfield, CT

How did you come up with the name?

We wanted something that had to do with the beach and swimming-- “Swim,” being for swimwear, “Surf,” being for surf brand clothing.

Why choose that location?

We worked at a store similar to ours in our hometown where we grew up in Westchester, New York. When we graduated college we were trying to figure out what our next step would be. We wanted to find a really cute town that was close to beaches in Connecticut. Kelly’s cousin lived in Fairfield at the time and she thought it would be a good fit for our store. All of the small businesses and restaurants in the town really make the town a great place to live.

Briefly, what business are you in?

We sell fashion swimwear, clothing, and accessories; anything you would need for a day at the beach, an afternoon out with friends, or a night on the town. We also suit high school, college, and summer club swim teams.

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

Getting our name out there. We have been in business going on ten years and people still walk in and say they had no idea we are in town. Also, no one knows that we carry great winter apparel in the fall and winter months along with swim all year.

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

I think there are always challenges being an entrepreneur especially because we are seasonal but with each challenge the reward of building your business is greater.

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

Having our loyal customers come back year after year. I love when our customers come in tell us about their planned or past vacations. When they say they love the store and that we have the best selection it is always a great feeling or when we help someone find the perfect suit for their body and one that makes them feel good about what they have on.

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

We started using Square Up (credit card processing) when we are out on the road. It has been very innovative and our customers love that we do not have to write down their credit card numbers, we can just swipe. When we started using it about 3 years ago customers couldn’t believe you could take payment through your iPhone.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

We do try our best to deal with difficult customers by being as kind as possible. We mostly try to understand where they are coming from and take that approach. We really like customers to understand that owning a small business is not easy and our policies are different then big corporations. We are lucky enough in the past 10 years that we have not had many difficult customers.

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

We donate gift certificates and merchandise to a variety of causes throughout each year. We also participate in all the town events and are part of a group of downtown merchants that meet and organize events with the help of the office of community and economic development in the town.

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