Business & Tech

Why Shopping Locally is Awesome

This Farmington business owner says her local shop is far better than online stores and she wants to show you why.

Jennifer Hogan believes in the power of shopping locally. She is the owner of JB Sports Gear and wants to show the community what she does.

Business: JB Sports Gear

Owner: Jennifer Hogan 

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WebsiteJB Sports Gear

Address: 50 Basswood Road, Farmington

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Contact Info: 860-573-9506; jbsportsgearct@gmail.com

How did you come up with the name?

My business is my first initial and my daughter's first initial: Jennifer and Brigit. Also my middle name starts with a B. A friend came up with “Sports Gear.”

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

I am a home-based business, so that is the reason for this town.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Screened, embroidered apparel and promotional products

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

It is challenging to get the word out about my business, especially to younger people who tend to shop online.  I offer that ability, but getting to them can be hard.  I use Facebook, Instagram, etc. — but unless they know about me they don't see the posts.  My goal is to get people to shop locally — I can compete with many large online places and offer better service.

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

It is a very competitive business, loyalty is difficult to build and doesn't always last. I realize that I can't always please everyone, but I hate to have a disappointed customer.

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

My goal is always to give back in the community, I often offer fundraising ability to groups, teams etc.  Recently I've done some very exciting products that look great and have helped local organizations- East Farms 5K Race Shirts, a Bristol Police Union Shirt, a fundraiser for Project Graduation in Farmington to name a few.  I love donating back whenever it is possible and it is nice to be able to do so.

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

Just over a year ago I implemented more online technology, a website that has design capability and online stores.  A group, team or school can have it's own online store with specific products unique to them.  People like to shop online, now they can do that and I deliver to their doorstep.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

I do whatever possible to make them happy,

I usually go out of my way to correct items whether it is my mistake or theirs. There are occasions that no matter what you do they won't be happy.  But I'll always try to do the right thing.

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

As noted above, I work with many schools, teams, groups to fundraise.  Giving back has been a part of my business since it began and that will always continue.


This article is part of Patch's series highlighting local businesses in our community. Learn more about the series, and if you're a small business owner, fill out the form to be included, by checking out this link.


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