To the editor:

The Enterprise headline “‘It’s never been like this'” (Jan. 20) doesn’t surprise me as a business owner. This reminds me of what took place during the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Businesses in Saranac Lake must have thought they’d make a killing during that time. The Grand Union grocery store and the A&P grocery store that was where Pendragon Theater is now going on Church Street, both added large amounts of food. There was no empty shelving in either store. I remember well seeing new shelving in A&P’s dairy cooler. Both grocery stores figured they’d see in increase in business.

Also during that time a food vendor put in an application to have a tent in the parking lot across the street from Goody Goody’s toy store. He wanted to sell take-out. If I remember, it was hot dogs, hamburgers and tacos. Alice’s restaurant, where Cape Air is now, was concerned they’d lose business being he was across the street. I suspect other restaurants weren’t thrilled either. The owner had a battle on his hands, but was eventually given permission to put up his tent and sell.

I have long suspected many Saranac Lake businesses added to their inventory. They were probably expecting an increase in business. After all it was the winter Olympics! Perhaps a few Tupper Lake businesses did the same, anticipating business from the Olympics. But what did happen?

Unfortunately, 100% of the business was in Lake Placid. Travel was restricted between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. I was able to go over one afternoon. The business district was packed with people. You could hardly move. Sidewalk vendors selling Olympic pins, souvenirs, food and other stuff were everywhere.

In Saranac Lake we had empty streets. It was business as usual. That guy who fought to put up his take-out place lasted one week before he packed up and left! I suspect many businesses got stuck with extra inventory they’d purchased, expected to sell, but didn’t. So much for the business most stores expected.

There was also this boatload of souvenirs. Anything that could get stamped 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics got it. There was a large porcelain boot, puzzles, coloring books and more. This junk was everywhere. After it was over, businesses had to get rid of it. Months later, I remember seeing it in many stores in town here. So much for increased business.

Saranac Lake businesses thought they’d see increased business during the Olympics. It didn’t happen. Lake Placid businesses probably felt the same here. It didn’t happen. I think Marc Galvin of the Bookstore Plus hit on part of the problem when he said the Main Street closure and lack of nearby parking for the public could be the problem. Figure this out so this doesn’t happen again. Events like this don’t happen every day! I would hate to see Lake Placid businesses get disappointed again.

Wendy Foley

Saranac Lake