IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA
As much a way of life
as a way of making a living
By Ann Hauprich ©2003
One might say that creating lasting impressions of Saratoga has become as much
a way of life as a way of making a living for Marianne and David Barker in the
course of the past quarter century.
While proud of the fact that their specialty shop at the corner of Broadway in
Phila in downtown Saratoga Springs has earned a reputation for offering gifts
and souvenirs designed to make a lasting impression on the recipients, the
Barkers are even more proud of the priceless gift their staff gives to
customers: good old-fashioned service with a smile.
"First impressions of the store's decor and how the inventory is displayed are
very important, of course, but we feel that the people behind the counter have
made an equally important impression on those who have patronized our store over
the past 25 years," says Marianne. "We're really lucky to have such great people
who go out of their way not just to know the regulars by name, but to genuinely
want to help them find just the right keepsake."
Some -- like Darcy Reynolds, Sara Buchynski and Kim Tribley, who have been with
the store 20, 15 and 12 years, respectively -- have become like family to the
Barkers.
In one case, all five children from the same family (the offspring of Saratoga
Springs High School Principal Frank Crowley and his wife, Margaret) have taken
turns on the payroll.
Ironically, one of the first impressions that Saratoga made on the Barkers when
they first visited from Cobleskill searching for a nice location from which to
set up a silk screening operation three decades ago was that it would be a great
spot to have a business during the racing season.
"As hard as it is to believe, property in downtown Saratoga was relatively
inexpensive in those days. There were all kinds of empty store fronts along
Broadway and many second floors of businesses were vacant. The notion of running
a thriving year-round business specializing in souvenirs would have struck just
about everyone as ludicrous."
Suffice to say a lot can happen in almost 30 years -- including some fascinating
career changes on the part of the Barkers! The bottom line is that with more
than 50,000 items on the Impressions of Saratoga inventory list today, it¹s easy
to understand why the couple says there's "never a dull moment² at any time of
the year. In fact, the giving season that spans from Thanksgiving till New
Year's is starting to close in on July and August as the period with the
greatest sales.
Throw in Valentine's Day in February, Easter in March or April, graduations and
weddings as well as Mother¹s Day and Father¹s Day during May and June . . . and
everything from Back-To-School to Back-to-Work in September and Hallowe¹en in
October before rendering YOUR impressions of the pace that must be kept inside
this retail place.
But wait! There are also off-season tourists and convention delegates and you
begin to wonder how the Barkers can look and feel so vibrant. (Drinking the
Saratoga mineral water they sell, perhaps?) What is it these customers are
looking for?
While it's not possible to list all 50,000-plus items for sale, the choices
range in price from a few bucks for a variety of fun kids¹ souvenirs (from
writing supplies decorated with equine motifs to flip-flops with horses on them)
to a few thousand dollars for a kid's a finely crafted doll house made by
Marianne's 84-year-old father, Hans H. Hustedt.
In between are Saratoga keepsakes of every description from collectible books
and CDs by Saratoga authors and musicians to paintings to posters and greeting
cards featuring popular places and landmarks and, of course, t-shirts (more than
50 different designs at last count!) sporting the images of such long-time
racing legends as Seabiscuit and Secretariat as well as popular newcomers Funny
Cide and Smarty Jones.
There are also a wide variety of toys and games that have Saratoga themes from
hobby horses and jockey puppets to tintype carousels not to mention window signs
reading "Gone Ridin'" and wall plaques with such sayings as "Horses leaves
hoof prints on your heart."
More delicate gift items range from almond scented, horseshoe-shaped soap,
unique skin care products from The Spa City's historic Menges & Curtis drug
store to designer jewelry inspired by local landmarks to fine equestrian
porcelain?
The assortment of food and beverage items is equally tempting. Where else under
one roof can one find everything from Saratoga-made mustard to Impressions own
dark horse chocolates to bottled Saratoga mineral water topped with a keepsake
ornament?
A personal favorite item now on sale is a woven throw blanket that can also be
used as a wall hanging that was designed by horsewoman Marianne. "If you can't love what you're doing, then why bother doing
it? Dave and I are here because we love Saratoga and love doing business with
others who feel the same way about this city." Wonderful words! We're impressed!
To learn more please visit
www.impressionssaratoga.com.