As people around the world marked Earth Day, downtown Glens Falls celebrated the 10-year anniversary of a business deeply rooted in the city’s regrowth. The downtown anchor that is Fountain Square Outfitters started as an idea planted over dinner in a lean-to on top of Wolf Jaw Mountain in the Adirondack High Peaks.
Outdoor enthusiasts Nancy and Matt Fuller, a school speech pathologist and attorney, respectively, were camping out on Fourth of July weekend in 2010 when they decided to pitch a downtown location to Patagonia.
“We originally wanted Patagonia to come to open a store,” Nancy Fuller said. “They didn’t, but we did.”
At the time, her husband was part of the Economic Development Committee and was working with city officials to determine what downtown needed.
“It was a constant question being asked and, when we would travel, we’d shop and get stuff for hiking, go to Patagonia stores and say, ‘Man, this would be so great in downtown Glens Falls, the foothills of the Adirondacks. It would totally fit,’” Nancy Fuller remembered.
In the decade since Fountain Square Outfitters opened its doors on Earth Day 2011, the Fullers have seen many changes downtown.
“We would have a wish list: ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if there was more housing, if SUNY Adirondack came downtown, if something connected the hospital more to downtown?’
“We’ve seen a lot of changes, from The Mill housing, Warren Square, now 14 Hudson, bringing SUNY Adirondack downtown — such a dream. We were in on the beginning stage of the Downtown Collaborative, and it was a cool moment to be a part of," Nancy Fuller said.
Fountain Square Outfitters sells Patagonia, of course, but also MSR, Bees Wrap, Darn Tough Socks, bug nets, gators, Osprey bags, Houdini jackets, Clif, Rumple, Good2Go and, with the installation of a disc golf course in Crandall Park, Innova and Dynamic discs — including drivers, mid-range and putters.
"With the competition from internet shopping, the fact that our store can not only survive but thrive is a testament to our supporters in the community. We wouldn’t be here without them," Matt Fuller wrote in an email.
Nancy Fuller said, “People are getting out so much more now." She noted that the pandemic led people to explore the region’s beautiful natural assets.
The Fullers — who kept their day jobs throughout their entrepreneurial adventure — closed up shop for two months during the pandemic, offering curbside pickup and ShopLocal.com to help ensure customers were outfitted.
“Being a part of this crazy adventure has allowed my husband and I to connect with the community,” Nancy Fuller said. “We’ve had the amazing opportunity to be able to be a part of downtown Glens Falls.”