Health

Norwood tries to boost small businesses during difficult year

NORWOOD, Mass. — As small businesses across the nation and throughout Massachusetts receive extra attention following Black Friday, Norwood is trying to revive its downtown by asking people to be safe and shop local.

“We’ve taken a different approach with our Norwood Day,” said Tony Mazzucco, the Norwood General Manager. “Our typical downtown event usually brings about 10,000 people into town.”

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Norwood Day was canceled in September and moved to November 28.

“If you stay home if you’re sick, if you wash your hands regularly, wear your mask…you can go out there and support these local businesses in a safe manner,” Mazzucco said.

Erin Keith moved to Norwood with her family two years ago.

“Ordinarily we’d be coming down for the holiday parade,” Keith said.

On Saturday, her husband, her son and she walked downtown to support small businesses.

“It keeps the money local and it encourages the store owners to keep their businesses open and know the community is behind them,” Keith added.

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While every town has seen small businesses struggle since the pandemic began, Norwood had another crisis that continues to affect its downtown shops, the closure of Norwood Hospital due to flooding in June.

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