Taking the Snow Into Our Own Hands

Following the unavoidable closing due to weather, we have decided to have a back up system. We purchased a powerful snowblower in case the plow-boys don't make it on time. Of course, last weekend the street itself didn't get plowed and that was the main reason. I did call the city and they finally attended to it. So if you see me out there with that plow dragging me around, offer a warm cup of coffee when I get inside.

Barbara Smith Visits AT THE WAREHOUSE

About an hour after closing on 12/23 Barbara Smith came to visit AT THE WAREHOUSE. It was perfect timing since the customers and vendors were gone, so Camille and I and Barbara spent a great deal of time discussion the area and the business. She loved the place and she is friendly, articulate, funny and caring. We are going to be attending some of the local neighborhood association meetings and hopefully hold some AT THE WAREHOUSE. Our goal has always been to get the local politicians involved. It's great to add her to the short but growing list. I asked Barbara to get the word out to Corey Ellis and with the right support, hopefully we can have a robust outdoor Farmers Market come spring.

Weather This Weekend

Will the weather close or slow down At The Warehouse this weekend? Who knows. Snow is predicted to start Saturday evening so hopefully the day will be "like normal." Only a few days left before Christmas. Come on down.

Fantastic Find by Silver Fox

We came across a rare find: a full Carousel circa 1950. It was part of an amusement park called Playland in Green County. Unfortunately it is too large to use in The Warehouse. We are selling off the individual horses, which are cast aluminum along with the original posts. In addition, we have to beautifully colored surround which will make incredible wall hangings. Log on the Silver Fox website http://www.silverfoxenterprises.com for pictures and prices.

Getting Ready for the Chocolate Festival

On December 2nd, "At the Warehouse" will showcase a booth at the NY State Museum's Chocolate Festival. Last year this show was attended by 10,000 visitors In the context of our architectural salvage we will portray the theme of who we are as a terrific fine craft and specialty foods market. We will display all merchants in a vignette style, as a teaser to come visit us "At the Warehouse". Mauri and Camille will be representing the merchants and request appropriately sized signage with your selected work. The booth is being prepared AT THE WAREHOUSE. Please share the press release of this show with all of your contacts Showing our diversity will clearly drawn new people to the warehouse.

A Message To Merchants

It was quite a busy weekend AT THE WAREHOUSE. We are grateful for the "regulars" who continue to love the place and see it as one of their weekend destinations. Why do people come back? One way to find out to is to get to know them and ask. And there is one question I ask you to ask yourself: What have I done today that will make more people aware of this place? Have I invited someone new, collected or sent an email, made a contact, sent a press release, responded on a local blog. We need that personal connection to our customers. Advertising alone will not be enough (leave that to the big box stores) and collectively we can make this a frequent weekend stop for many. It's more than word of mouth, it's word from a friend or friendly stranger.

Sales for Cascade Wines Increasing

We are pleased to announce that sales of wine from Cascade Mountain Winery have been steadily increasing over the past few months. Their main sales venue, the Troy Waterfront Market, has moved indoors for the season and they have a long established year-round customer base there. Now they have a second home in the Capital District and sales AT THE WAREHOUSE are starting to approach those at the indoor Troy Market. We believe that a good product will always draw a solid customer base and they are one of the staples at our Market. If you have yet to try their wines, come on down this weekend for a free sample. We hope George, from Cascade, will comment on some of the differences in the wines. If you have purchased or tried their wines, please comment. Remember KEEP IT LOCAL.

AT THE WAREHOUSE to Stay Open Black Friday

The Merchants AT THE WAREHOUSE have decided to be open for Black Friday. For those of you fearing the trek to Colonie Center or Crossgates, we offer you the "mallternative." Easy parking, one-of-a kind locally made items, gift certificates and an incredible atmosphere will make for relaxed shopping. Mark Davenport will be playing his classic Beatles, rock and blues as you have your gift wrapped while you sip on a cup of incredible tea.