COHOES, NY – With his family by his side and city and county elected officials wishing him luck, Mari Cancel has opened The Planter, a new plant store at 109 Remsen St. The Planter is more than just a place. where to stop and buy a new houseplant. Cancel hosts daily workshops on creating terrariums and offers special weekly and monthly activities.
“Herbs have always been very healing for me, so I wanted to bring something healthy and healing to Cohoes,” Cancel said during the store’s ribbon cut Thursday. “I chose to open up to Cohoes because I feel there is a sense of community here. I love how tight it is. It’s a beautiful thing to be a part of the community here, I feel so grateful.
Cancel celebrated their ribbon cutting with live music and a raffle. She plans to host more live music events, including karaoke nights and concerts, in the coming months. The planter is also available as a space for private events such as birthdays and showers. Cancel is currently working on obtaining a liquor license for The Planter, which she hopes to have in place by early next year so that she can run “Plant and Sip” workshops. Until the license is in place, its workshops serve non-alcoholic beverages such as juices and sodas.
“It’s a big draw for the city,” said Gil Ethier, chairman of the Cohoes Democratic Party and deputy majority leader of the Albany County Legislature. “It’s so different. We have so much variety on Remsen Street now, so many different stores. It’s so nice to see these young people investing in the revitalization of Cohoes.
“It’s so cool,” said Steve Napier, City Manager of Community and Economic Development. “People came to me and said, ‘Thank God I looked everywhere for a plant store!’ It has been so well received and it is a big step in making Cohoes the pedestrian community that we always wanted it to be.
“It’s unique,” said Cohoes Mayor Bill Keeler. “It’s special, it’s a wonderful addition to our city.
Much like a more traditional “Paint and Sip” workshop, Cancel’s “Plant and Sip” is an interactive social activity where you can meet new friends while creating something with your own hands. Its workshops cover a variety of terrarium building styles, and all materials are covered in workshop fees. If you’re not ready to build your own, The Planter has a selection of ready-to-buy pre-made terrariums, in addition to a wide variety of houseplants ready to brighten up any indoor space.
“What I’ve noticed these days is that people want an experience, not just a gift,” noted Jason Benitez, vice president of talent, diversity and inclusion for Capital. Region Chamber. “This place gives you both. You can have a fun bonding experience, make new friends, and then walk away with a great song. “
“I love this place,” said Bill Ricard, Albany County lawmaker. “I love the way when you walk in you can smell the aroma of the plants.”
The Planter is open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. @ gmail.com. Follow on Instagram and FaceBook at @theplanterllc.
