“My business has always been founded on trying to provide service and comfort for our community.”
However, the pandemic is making it harder and harder.
With business off 60% this year, Hotaling has pivoted to make takeout easier and more convenient for customers, and she’s getting her homemade jams, jellies and candles into more retail outlets.
However, she and hundreds of other local businesses need some help.
“Winter’s coming, COVID-19’s still with us, we’ve got to do everything we can as a local community to save our locals, make sure that at the end of winter that they’re still here,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber, Discover Saratoga and others are pushing a new campaign called “Save Our Locals” — signs, online posts, a helpline with counseling for businesses who need advice.
And pumpkins.
The chamber is working with Saratoga Custom Engraving to get pumpkins to members as a sign and token of hope.
“I engrave them,” said owner Amanda VanPelt. “To help spread the word of Saving our Locals.”
VanPelt is hoping her store on Railroad Place is among those to benefit from an awareness campaign that locals might not survive the winter without a concerted effort to do business with them.
“We need them to do everything they can, spend every dime you can at a local business, every time you can do that,” said Shimkus.
