SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) — With the Travers Stakes happening this weekend, local businesses are preparing to see a boost in sales due to the influx of tourists.
When visiting Lake George, mother Susan Arthur and daughter Danielle Hennessy both from St Louis and Buffalo shop in Downtown Saratoga.
NEWS10 – MORE NEWS
“I think that the stores are all unique, local businesses, unique items that you won’t find in big box, stores, or anything like that. So that’s why I like it because there’s always something unique” said Arthur.
“When you think of Saratoga, you think of the race track. But I think there’s a lot of hidden corners. The shops like my mom said have a lot of unique stuff so I can find stuff here that no one when I go back to St. Louis no one else is gonna have” said Hennessy.
Heidi Owen West is Vice-President of the Downtown Business Association of Saratoga Springs. She owns three shops, including Lifestyles. West explains to me the importance of the track, SPAC and her business.
“For August alone I’m up 30 percent, compared to last year, and last year was a phenomenal year. So you know ever since 2020 it’s been building and the numbers have been fabulous.”.
Travers weekend brings huge sales to souvenir shops such as Impressions.
“So track season is our Christmas in the summer. That’s when we do the majority of our business for the entire year. and Travers weekend, especially the Sunday after Travers is one of the busiest days of the year for us” said Maddy Zanetti from Impressions of Saratoga.
Zanetti claims that Travers weekend is even better than black Friday, because the merchandise is offered at a discount during the holiday following Thanksgiving. Her shop is open late in order to draw the crowds attracted by SPAC and track events.
Both small business owners encouraged residents and visitors to come and show their support.
“It’s important to have anyone who’s visiting an area to stop into the small businesses, enjoy with the towns have to offer and explore it”, said Zanetti.
“Come on down to downtown Saratoga springs come to track, the track, come to spec, we are ready our doors are open” Owen West added.
0
0
