NNY Gazette
Gourmet Gift Baskets Available at Maple Run Emporium, Potsdam
05/05/2011
The sap may
stop flowing, but you can find maple products year round at Maple
Run Emporium in Potsdam. With the help of a $20,000 loan
from the St. Lawrence County Local Development Corporation, the store has been
stocked with more maple than you could imagine.
About twenty years ago Mary Hilton began creating a vision. In developing
this idea Mary realized the importance of maple to the local economy and
wanted a place to showcase this diverse resource so valuable to the North
Country. Her years of thought and planning have culminated in a beautiful
new addition to downtown Potsdam in Maple Run Emporium.
“One of the great things about working with the SLCLDC was that the application
process helped me fine-tune the financial section of my business plan,” Mary
said. “By virtually making all the purchases for merchandise, fixtures and
furnishings on paper before I opened, and working out the projections for the
next three years, I launched Maple Run with a solid picture of
what I need to do to be successful. It made the vision a reality that was
do-able.”
The store features maple confections and creations from many local
producers and artisans. The clean, bright space at 49 Market Street is
elegantly arranged with sweet and savory gourmet goodies, smoked meats and cheeses,
fresh roasted coffee, fine kitchenware, private label bath and body products,
home furnishings and accessories, books and even beverages – all somehow
related to maple.
“The maple industry is a valuable part of our agricultural economy here
in St. Lawrence County,” states Raymond Fountain, SLCLDC Chief. “We are
proud to be part of Mary’s project that highlights this niche market and
supports local producers.”
In keeping with the harmonious feel of the shop, the complimentary gift
wrappings are environmentally friendly. Papers, twines and basket
fillings are natural colors and made from recycled and organic materials, and
compostable cellophane is used for wrap.
Baskets and handcrafted bowls are used to make gift baskets offered
pre-assembled or customized with items of your choice. Many sizes are
available to accommodate your needs. What a great gift for Mother’s Day!
The next phase of the business is to launch the online store that will make
North Country maple products available to the world market.
Maple Run Emporium is open every day from 6am to 8pm, and
the online store is coming soon. For more information call 274-0102 or visit
them at www.maplerunemporiums.com. You can also follow them on
Facebook or Twitter.