SARATOGA SPRINGS — Forged on the roads and trails that cross this country, The Local Branch has now opened at 447 Broadway, in Saratoga Springs, selling Americana that touches on the nation’s culture and folklore.
Founded in San Franciso in 2009 by Blaine and Mackenzie Vossler, The Local Branch specializes in small-batch, American-made products. Working with more than 100 vendors, the space is stocked with handmade pieces that resonate with nostalgia.
“It’s sourcing with a story – items with a soul,” said Mackenzie.
A Shared Experience
Located in the former home of Saratoga Coffee Traders (which originally opened in 2006, and closed in October), The Local Branch’s soft opening on Saturday came after just one month of renovations to the building.
“I love making sure people feel welcome and inspired by the products. I set the palette and the tone so that it has a communal soul similar to what a coffee shop does,” said Mackenzie.
While structural supports were added and the floors refinished, most of the changes to the shop have been cosmetic. By layering colors and textures amid aged wood displays and salvaged antique light fixtures, Mackenzie’s grandmother’s rugs ground the space, while in the back corner a brass National Cash Register (like the one her father had) sits refurbished and ready to ring up this curated assortment of consciously-made products.
Conscious Consumerism
In an effort to move away from the pitfalls of fast fashion and overconsumption, before having their two children, Hawk, 6, and Wylie, 2, the Vossler’s spent two years traveling the country and creating goods from a mobile workshop inside an Airstream trailer.
“I’m inspired by outdoor adventures, hiking, camping, farming, and those activities that are part of our shared identity as a people,” said Blaine, who, after a brief stint studying at New York University, turned his artistic talents to screen printing apparel.
Influenced by Indigenous American ideals, rituals, and values, Blaine’s hand-drawn designs honor their heritage with bold bison, detailed images of the moon, and natural elements.
Stylish, Functional Heirlooms
After finding a free sewing machine by the side of the road, Blaine began creating functional, heirloom-quality items by applying the traditional skill of leatherworking to solve modern problems.
Tired of sitting on his wallet during those long hours on the road, Blaine made The Local Branch’s stylish underarm holsters, which provide a unique utilitarian way to carry your phone, wallet, passport, or other essentials, so that they’re easily accessible when you’re on the go – whether you’re sitting or standing.
Before leaving for a four-month excursion on the Pacific Coast Trail, Blaine created the Crossroads Backpack Tote – a leather tote bag that seamlessly transitions into a backpack.
The Local Branch’s blanket capes (with leather buckle closures) are also extremely versatile - they can be worn as a scarf, then laid on the ground to watch concerts and festivals.
A Caring Community of Creators
In 2018, the Vossler’s traded their mobile workshop for a brick-and-mortar store in Skaneateles (located in Central New York). Finding their dream home nearby, the 1854 Kester Homestead Barn, a rambling Victorian on 10 acres in Onondaga County, also once housed their leatherworking shop, but now operates exclusively as a wedding venue. The Local Brand’s manufacturing has been moved to a warehouse in the area that once belonged to Mackenzie’s parents (who were also entrepreneurs).
Introduced to Saratoga by friends who attended Skidmore College, it has been the city’s vibrant music scene, happening night life, historic charm, and small town feel that keeps them coming back, said Blaine.
The Local Branch, which emphasizes the importance of shopping small and buying local, is currently looking to hire a store manager and shop keepers for their Saratoga store.
“Here, you get to work with friends who care about the products and the stories behind them,” said Brand Manager Sidney Glass.
Just in Time for the Holidays
In addition to Blaine’s work, The Local Branch collaborates with a network of blacksmiths, weavers, jewelry makers, and other craftsmen to offer an assortment of sustainable items for the outdoorsman or homesteader in your life.
Stop in and start an in-store Wish List filled with super soft tees, sweatshirts, socks and other apparel, cabin blankets, belts, wallets, canvas bags, candles, books, kitchen provisions, apothecary items, and more, or grab a few goodies from the Stocking Stuffer Bar (including leather ornaments and key clips) just in time for the holidays. Customized initials and monogramming can be completed on leather items in 2-3 weeks.
The Local Branch, 447 Broadway, Saratoga Springs is open every day 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Follow them @TheLocal Branch on Instagram, on Facebook @TheLocalBranchApparel, and order online at thelocalbranch.co
