Alpaca Socks Going Fast

By Mike Maslanik, staff writer
Messenger Post

West Bloomfield, N.Y. — Hot Cakes is a new feature that highlights some of the area’s top-selling items. This time, we’re taking a look at a popular clothing item that comes from an unusual source.

What is it?
Alpaca wool socks, available through Lazy Acre alpaca farm on Baker Road in West Bloomfield. Farm owner Mark Gilbride is a member of a nationwide cooperative of alpaca farmers who raise the animals, shear them and send the fleece to Peru, where it is made into a number of clothing items.

Why do people want them?
Gilbride said the hardest part about owning a pair of alpaca socks is taking them off to put them in the wash. The socks are durable, incredibly comfortable and warm no matter how thin they are. Gilbride said that some of his best customers are police officers who need thin dress socks for their uniforms but need something warm for when they get out of their cars to direct traffic.

Where can you find them?
Lazy Acre alpaca wool socks can be purchased at a retail store at the farm, 8830 Baker Road in Bloomfield; at the Dryer-Loomis Emporium, 72 W. Main St. in Victor; and at the Simply Unique Gift Shop, at 18 Main St. in Bloomfield. You can also shop online at www.alpacacountryny.com.

How much do they cost?
A pair of alpaca wool socks can cost anywhere from $11 to $27, depending on the thickness and how much alpaca fleece they contain, Gilbride said.