Connecticut Hispanic Businesses Face Decline in Customer Foot Traffic

Across Connecticut, many Hispanic-owned businesses are facing an unprecedented economic crisis. Owners are reporting steep drops in customer traffic and sales.

Business leaders say stricter federal immigration enforcement has sparked a wave of fear. This fear has dramatically reduced foot traffic, even among U.S. citizens.

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Once-thriving shops now struggle to survive. From Enfield to Bridgeport, some entrepreneurs are openly wondering if their doors will stay open in the coming months.

Hispanic-Owned Businesses Struggle with Customer Declines

Concerns tied to immigration enforcement sit at the heart of this downturn. Business owners say these worries keep customers — both documented and undocumented — at home.

New policies have created a climate of uncertainty. For many shopkeepers, that’s meant a dramatic dip in revenue.

A Sharp Decline in Enfield

In Enfield, Las Catrinas Mexican Grocery has experienced a dramatic 75% loss in business since its launch in January 2022. Owners Irene Castelan Mendez and Marco Antonio say the change has been shocking.

Antonio explained, in Spanish, that many community members worry they might not return home if they leave for errands. The store once enjoyed steady customers from Hartford County towns like Windsor and East Windsor, but now the quiet feels surreal.

Business Owners Responding to Fear-Based Changes

The impact isn’t isolated to one city. Owners in Bridgeport, New Britain, and Waterbury are seeing similar downturns.

Some businesses now offer delivery, hoping to reach customers too afraid to go out. Others have cut store hours to reduce costs, but the financial strain keeps getting worse.

The Role of Delivery Services

Home delivery has become a lifeline for some. By bringing groceries or meals directly to customers in places like Stamford and Danbury, owners are trying to bridge the gap.

But delivery comes with extra costs for transportation and logistics. Not every small business can handle those expenses for long.

Widespread Anxiety Across Communities

Fanel Merville, of the Center of Immigrant Development in Bridgeport, says the fear isn’t limited to immigrants without legal status. Even U.S. citizens now avoid public places.

“Friends and colleagues who were born here are telling me they’d rather stay home than drive across town,” Merville said. That’s happening in towns like Meriden and Norwich, where business owners notice fewer shoppers and quieter streets.

Economic and Social Repercussions

Empty sidewalks mean less spending in neighborhood businesses. For small stores that depend on in-person purchases — especially those selling fresh goods or specialty items — this change is devastating.

The economic consequences ripple out to workers, local suppliers, and landlords. It’s contributing to a broader slowdown in Connecticut’s local economies.

Uncertain Future for Small Shops

Back in Enfield, Marco Antonio says survival is now the main goal. “We’re just thinking about how to make it through the month,” he said.

Many others in Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Haven feel the same way. Without a return of customers, closures might be inevitable — ending years of hard work and community building.

Resilience Amid the Crisis

Some owners just refuse to give up, even when things look rough. They’re diving into social media marketing, reaching out to their communities, and teaming up with local organizations to keep their businesses afloat.

There’s no magic solution here. Many are leaning on each other, swapping ideas and sharing a bit of hope as they try to weather this unpredictable economy.

Rolling out delivery services to reach customers who’d rather stay home
Changing up store hours to save money where they can
Using online platforms to show off products and stay connected with loyal clients
Getting involved in community events to build trust with customers

From Enfield to Stamford, you see it everywhere—owners fighting to keep their shops alive. Their commitment to their neighborhoods runs deep, and honestly, it feels like supporting local businesses matters now more than ever.

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Here is the source article for this story: Hispanic businesses in Connecticut see decline in foot traffic

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