Retailers share a bond on Schenectady's upper Union Street

Independent store owners say camaraderie, caring unite them

Peter Musler knows his customers so well, he not only tells them when an outfit isn't quite right for them, he stops them from buying one that matches their friend's so they don't show up to a social event in the same clothes.

Christopher Mastroianni not only works alongside his father, Michael, he has his own business in the shop, the Perfect Gentleman, where he reconditions classic shoes and can put brightly colored soles on them.

Women who own businesses in the Upper Union Street Business Improvement District look out for each other, too.

Mingo owned a flower shop in Massachusetts then worked for another florist in the Albany area for seven years before deciding she wanted to be her own boss again.

Once again, we're running out of space.

Besides selling pet supplies, DeBrocky offers grooming services and doggy day care.

Perhaps the best known eatery is Gershon's Delicatessen, which has been in business for 61 years, catering to locals and students, faculty and staff from Union College.

The 94 businesses on the street include everything one needs for a wedding except the venue, Thorne noted: a bridal shop, tuxedo store, florist, hair salons for men and women, and jewelry stores for the rings.

[...] last year the BID sponsored a Wedding Walk to promote the compatible enterprises.