Local shoppers the backbone of Water Street Market BY KATHY KAHN

Local shoppers the backbone of Water Street Market
BY KATHY KAHN

Street Market business owners say local shoppers keep them busy.

A former lumberyard transformed into a mix of retail and restaurants will soon be celebrating its 10th anniversary. The family-friendly shopping area has something for everyone, and you couldn’t ask for better scenic views; the Shawangunks and Mohonk’s tower form the backdrop for this eclectic alley at the foot of New Paltz’s busy main street. And at a time when small businesses face fierce competition from national chain stores, Water Street Market (www.waterstreetmarket.com) shopkeepers say local support has helped keep their doors open.

The market’s business owners say support from local residents is the key ingredient in keeping their small shops financially viable year-round, especially crucial during the winter months, when tourism traditionally slows down.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have some great anchors like The Cheese Plate, Mud Puddle Coffee House and Harvest Café that draw out our residents and they’ll do some shopping while they are here,” says Maureen Smith, owner of Eden, a clothing and jewelry boutique. In her second year at the Water Street Market, Smith, sitting at her worktable creating jewelry designs, said business was slow in February and is now picking up. She says her creations, unique clothing and accessory lines, including locally crafted alpaca scarves, have helped her create a niche in the pedestrian-friendly market.

“Advertising is an expensive proposition for the small-business owner,” said Smith, who relies on word-of-mouth from satisfied customers to bring repeat business.

Maureen Smith, owner of Eden, a clothing and jewelry boutique.

A break in March’s blustery weather brought pedestrians out to the small shopping center where the tightly knit group of business owners provides a special ambience for shoppers at Water Street. “When business is slow, we can literally mind each other’s shops,” says Smith.

The Cheese Plate’s owner, Kat Alexander, came across to visit Smith while there was a break in business. “That’s the nice part about being part of the business community here,” says Alexander, who has owned the popular cheese and culinary accessory shop for three years. “We really do look out for each other.”

More and more visitors to New Paltz are discovering the Water Street Market and its unique mix of shops and restaurants tucked away at the bottom of Main Street on the banks of the Wallkill River. With ample parking and direct access to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, businesses at Water Street are gearing up for spring and shoppers. “Even if you’re just window shopping, this is a great spot to visit,” says Smith. “A comfortable place to walk through, visit the stores, have a cup of coffee and enjoy the great views of the Shawangunks.”

Reader Comments

Please send us your comments!

Add Your Comments

TalkBack & let us know what YOU think.

If you have something to add to this discussion topic, we'd like to know.

To send a comment:

1. Enter your full name
2. Enter your email address
3. Post your comment and click 'Submit'

Full Name:

Email Address:

Example: johndoe@aol.com

Comments:
Post your comment here
(WestfairInc reserves the right to edit any text for broadcast)