Downtown Saratoga Springs looking up

I happened to be downtown the other day and I was happy to see some signs of new stores going in.  There are still some empty storefronts, but with the sidewalk cafes being open and the weather turning warmer, I am thinking positively about downtown Saratoga Springs. 

Encounter Boutique is already on Facebook and Twitter.  Located at 482 Broadway, just north of City Hall where Violets used to be.  Find out more on Saratoga Seen here. 

 

 
With the help of reader Mr. Sunshine, this blog was the first to write about the Saratoga Olive Oil Co coming to town.  The Table Hopping blog also wrote about it, which linked a story from the Post Star.  It is at 484 Broadway, next door to Encounter. According to the store's Facebook page, the projected opening for the store is April 15th, and the Saratoga Olive Oil's web site will be running soon.  These olive oil stores seem to be really catching on, and here is an article about an entrepeneur who has opened three such stores in and near my hometown of Buffalo. 

 

 
You can read about the reopening of Aggie's in the Times Union here.  It was good to see signs of new life in downtown Saratoga Springs, and I hope every place is full by summer. 

Comments

[Rob]

As usual, too many high-end boutiques targeting only women opening up. Would be great to see some diversity and new stores that actually meet a need rather than compete for the same business as other stores that already struggle for 9 months of the year.

[Dan]

I agree Rob, but at this point with the economy struggling, Borders closing, and some other prominent storefronts on key corners remaining vacant, I'm just sort of happy for any businesses, diverse choices or not, filling up storefronts. In the long run I hope we achieve the diversity you desire, but for now I'll take what I can get.

[Tim]

Hopefully the area north of City Hall will be a lucrative spot for Saratoga Olive Oil Co. Businesses seem to have a tough time staying open there. I'm really interested to check this out when it opens.

[Dan]

Hey Tim - I'm going to make it a point to check it out and if the product is as high quality as I expect it to be, I'll be a regular customer. I do a fair amount of my Christmas and other gift shopping in downtown Saratoga, and I will make it a point to do even more this year. Hopefully everyone else that loves Saratoga will do the same and give our downtown a continued boost.

[SaraT]

Dan, I do the same thing when it comes to gifts. It's fun!! I fill a shopping bag with local foods, crafts, books, and whatever else I can find on Broadway. It gives me an opportunity to schmooze with store owners, clerks, and other shoppers. While I do this all year round,it's during the holiday season that I get that special, warm, home-town feeling! Can't get that at the malls or big boxes!!!!
See ya on the street!!
:-)

[Dan]

Good point Sara - and the big boxes don't have the quality of say G. Williker's Toys and our many clothing and food stores. The Downtown Business Association's gift Card program is also a great help, and I want to do my help to further the downtown businesses, both with my cash (actually my credit card) and this blog. Thanks Sara!