One of my earliest memories is of being in Saperstein’s having my foot measured for my first pair of “big girl shoes.” We won’t get into exactly when that was, but suffice it to say I’ve been shopping at Saperstein’s for my entire life. From that first pair of shoes to the snow pants I bought my daughter last week, Saperstein’s has been the go-to for items ranging from Carhartts to umbrellas, and everything in between (including my first pair of Levi’s 501s!).
Situated at the apex of Main Street in Millerton, NY, Saperstein’s bright orange facade (once a source of controversy in the business district) has become an iconic image of not just the town itself, but of the small town way of life. Established in 1946, it is the quintessential Mom-and-Pop Department Store, and one that has outlived its past contemporaries and survived the onslaught of big box stores and online shopping. This is because Owner Lewis Saperstein (who started working for his father in 1977, and eventually took full leadership) and his staff have spent the last 40-plus years treating everyone who walks through the door as family.
“I found it at Saperstein’s” a T-shirt that Lew’s father designed for the Camp Sloan YMCA in Lakeville, CT. To this day Camp Sloan counselors (who come from around the world) don their T-shirts weekly for what is affectionately referred to as “Saperstein’s Tuesday.”
Sadly, last summer Lewis Saperstein announced that he planned to close at the end of 2017. Much to my (and thousands of others) delight, he has decided to remain open for the foreseeable future, hopeful that someone will continue on in his stead. Noteworthy is that Saperstein’s (potential) end is NOT for its inability to compete in the current market, but for the simple fact that Lewis is ready to retire. Speaking as a voice for the community, I would like to thank the Saperstein Family for all of their contributions over their many years in business.
