If there is any good to come out of the ongoing fiscal crisis, it may just be that early retirement options are giving thousands of people a new beginning.
That was the case for Joan Rello of Malta. She opened the Saratoga South Boutique at the Shops at Malta (at the intersection of Route 9and 67) in May after having done sales and marketing work in “corporate America” for more than three decades. When the opportunity came to take an early retirement, she jumped at a new opportunity.
“It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do for years,” she said.
The shop offers gifts for every occasion and carries many items crafted by local artisans. From scarves and hats to cookware and jewelry – it’s all there and every piece is unique.
Her hope is that gift buying is no longer “a chore” for shoppers, like it was for her during business trips and harried schedules.
“One thing I learned very, very quickly is that to buy a gift is a chore … shopping should be fun,” she said.
The boutique has been open since early May, but Rello decided to have a grand opening on Friday, June 22, and Saturday, June 23. Business so far has been “steady and good,” she said.
Friday afternoon especially brought in many passersby who were curious as well as some repeat customers.
Chuck Brooks lives in Malta and has been a customer of Rello’s from the beginning. The variety in the shop gives him “reason to stop in every week,” he said, and he appreciates Rello’s help in finding gifts.
“I usually come in and say, ‘What’s new this week?’ It’s been great,” said Brooks.
He then pointed out a whimsical frog in the window he bought the week before. Another customer was intrigued and actually found it to be the perfect gift for somebody she was shopping for. Brooks was “glad to be of service.”
Rello’s aim is to bring “simplicity” to finding the right gift for customers. She offers free gift wrapping and a wish list service as well.
It works like this: say you see something in the shop you’d love to have for your birthday or other occasion. Tell Rello or one of her salespeople about it and they’ll add the item(s) to your wish list. When somebody (who you’ve sent to the boutique through hints or otherwise) arrives at the store, they can check with the list and grant one of your wishes.
“We’re small enough that you can come in and say, ‘These are the things I love, I’m going to send my husband in here.’ It’s a lot of fun,” said Rello.
Her years in the corporate race didn’t go to waste by any means. She acquired a lot of business sense and is glad to be able to use it.
“I’m very confident in sales and marketing … My background may not be selling gifts, but that’s the fun part of it,” Rello said.
She added that she’s enjoying being able to shift her focus to making her customers happy, as well as being her own boss.
“I can move in a minute … I don’t have to wait for 20 emails … it doesn’t matter. I can just say, ‘This is what’s happening,’” she said.
For more information on the shop or to browse their unique items online, visit saratogasouthboutique.com
