Ninth Annual Small Business in Saratoga Has Buyers Buying Local Products | New

SARATOGA, NY – Small businesses in Saratoga Springs and Troy opened their arms for the holiday season on Saturday with the ninth annual Saturday Small Business.

It was a day when buyers could buy unique items that they had sought while contributing to the preservation of vibrant local communities.

Both cities continue to experience a revitalization of their core businesses through the hard work and dedication of their respective small business owners.

Saturday's temperatures may have been moderated by Thursday's freezing cold, but the day is still struggling to stay above zero. The crowds of years past that had once filled the sidewalks of both cities were smaller. However, families or groups of friends who were shopping were as enthusiastic as ever and their holiday spirit was contagious.

In Saratoga Springs, shopping was intense despite the lack of crowded sidewalks. As usual, G. Willikers' showcases, 461 Broadway, offered everyone who walked a special glimpse of the magic of the holiday season.

"We've had a lot of people, and those who are not from here all say we're right downtown," said owner Linda Ambrosino. "The people in this community are extremely concerned that their downtown remains."

While she was developing her business in small businesses in the competitive era of big box stores and the Internet, Ambrosino pointed out that the personal touch that we get with the shopping in a small business is hard to beat.

"People need contact," she said. "It's about sharing love; this contact. They want to try things. They want to know how to play a game before you buy it.

"I have a game expert here to do that."

On the other side of the street, at 456 Broadway, in a place filled with Celtic treasures, it was pretty much the same thing. The store has been filled with customers browsing a variety of items that are seldom seen elsewhere: Celtic jewelry, glassware and tea sets, tweed caps, sweaters and scarves.

"We love small businesses on Saturdays," said owner Paul O'Donnell. "Traditionally, we do more business that day than Black Friday. It's a fun holiday, with people showing their support for mom and pop stores.

"It's an invented American holiday that we love."

O'Donnell did not have to change places.

"These tweed caps out there," he said. "We have been here for 26 years and they are our eternal bestseller."

On the sidewalk outside the Savory Pantry, 136 Broadway, Kim Faiola hand-crafted hand-made cutting and serving boards by her husband, Ray, in his trade against the grain of the wood. Brower Lane, Saratoga Springs.

"These are unique pieces," said Faiola. "They are made with the leftover wood of my husband's business. These are all we have. When they left, they left. "

Each panel had a different design made by the type of wood.

"Lift them up," Faiola told a customer. "They are not very heavy. It uses all kinds of wood: black walnut, cherry, American cherry, Brazilian cherry, Balau, Asian wood, white oak and hardy ash. "

The Savory Pantry sells small batch specialties produced locally and around the world. The owner, Keeley DeSalvo, said the store has been busy since it opened at 10am.

"Seeing so many people supporting small businesses is wonderful. It's the only way to stay in business, "she said. "It allows us to communicate with our customers."

Joseph Vidarte, director of Mountain Man's Outdoor Supply Company, 490 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, said the store had been slammed.

"We have clothes and outdoor equipment," he said. "The economy is doing so well and people wanting to shop locally, we are doing very well. And we will have the same sale Sunday, with a reduction of 20% to 50%. "

Audra Aul of Edward was looking for a rain coat at the store.

"I still like to shop locally, and that day, you're good at shopping at a local store," she said.

It was also a busy day in Troy.

At the T & J Handcrafted Soap, 271 River Street, Troy, the air was filled with the scents of the soap from co-owner Theresa Van Duyne, handmade soaps, bath balms and lotions. The room filled with customers went from one table of articles to another, more interesting than the others.

"The Troy community comes that day," Van Duyne said, holding special scented soap bars called Silent Night and Sugared Spruce. "He grows up every year. You can see that there is greater thrust. This gives people an impetus to go out. This gives families a chance, an excuse, to explore their communities, such as the downtown business district. "

Dawn Agro and Sarah Thron were two of these explorers. Everyone bought Sponselle, a body wash and a brewed tampon. Agro was attracted by "holiday scents", which was why Thron wanted "lavender and honey flower".

"We love participating in small businesses on Saturday," said Agro. "We do not go out for Thanksgiving for shopping and we do not shop at big-box stores on Black Friday. We are waiting for Saturday for the small business.