Occupy N.L. gets mixed review from St. John's businesses

Some business owners in downtown St. John's say they're confused about the point of Occupy Newfoundland and Labrador, while others say they support the protest.

A half dozen protesters have been camped out in Harbourside Park for three weeks, saying they intend to stay all winter.

Model Citizens, a business in downtown St. John's, is across the street from where the protestors have been camping out. Mari-Lynn Taylor, thebusiness'shead of creative direction and design, said most customers are aware of the protest, but are not aware of what the protesters want.

"Most people aren't really sure about what's happening. I mean, a lot of them do know in regards to Wall Street what's happening, but they don't see the relativity here. And I guess it hasn't ever really been made known what it is they're fighting for," said Taylor.

Taylor said even though the protestors haven't affected business at Model Citizens, enough is enough.

"I think it's getting a bit old now ... they've been in one place for quite a while and I haven't really heard any sort of big progression or any sort of big results, so maybe it's time for a new action plan," she said.

Employees at a nearby cafe are supporting the protesters.

"Often at the end of the day, if we have leftover coffees, we'll fill them up and bring them down ...We actually offer them a discount off their coffees because we're right around the corner. It's not a marketing gimmick, we're saying that supporting you, we support what you're trying to do." said Gillian Lane, who works at Sappho's Cafe.

The Occupy Wall Street movement has spurred grassroots demonstrations against corporate bailouts, income inequality and high rates of unemployment in cities across the world. The movement has also flourished online with groups organizing on social networks.