©2020 Saratoga Photographer.com
By Jennifer Farnsworth
The success of Saratoga Olive Oil has led to an expansion with a new store at 1341 Saratoga Road in Moreau.
The company opened a facility that has a 7,500-square-foot warehouse and 3,000 square feet of retail space.
Owner Clint Braidwood said they had been searching the last couple years for a warehouse facility. He came close to purchasing land and building a warehouse with Munter Enterprises in W.J. Grande. Industrial Park, however, John Munter, owner of Munter Enterprises, suggested that they look into the facility in Moreau.
“He thought it would be a great fit for us. It was indeed a perfect fit for Saratoga Olive Oil Company. We now have warehouse space, the ability to expand our warehouse and corporate offices, a front retail space and a photo room in our front building,” said Braidwood.
The new spot will offer discounted and discontinued items, as well as bulk items, a concept Braidwood anticipates will do well.
Braidwood founded the business with his wife Barbara and brother Chad Braidwood in 2011. He said when the pandemic hit, they were all worried.
“COVID was really scary when it hit. Especially for a retail business. We didn’t know if we would survive it,” said Braidwood.
He said the fact that so many people turned to cooking at home as opposed to going out, worked to their benefit.
“People were staying home and cooking, which fared very well for us. In addition, we were considered an essential business as we were in the food manufacturing business. These different factors really helped us, “ said Braidwood.
Braidwood said their brick and mortar was down 90 percent at the start of April, with their online business was up 500 percent.
“We are still trending at a 20 percent decrease for brick and mortar and a 200 percent increase online. We hope that brick and mortar will come back to full strength next year when a possible vaccine becomes available,” he said.
He credits the online business with helping him to take care of his employees. The company is now in a position to hire more.
Braidwood said after getting Moreau off its feet the company is moving forward to open a popup kiosk at the Bryant Park Winter Village in New York City starting on Oct, 30. and running through Jan. 3.
“We are super excited to be part of the Bryant Park Winter Village tradition. This will be our first year in New York City with many more to come I hope,” said Braidwood.
For more information, visit saratogaoliveoil.com. The Moreau location can be contacted at 844-465-4836.