Shopping locally is about discovering interesting items and experiences that are uniquely Rochester. It’s also about supporting small businesses which directly impact the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors.
Rochester and its surrounding villages are home to talented individuals who operate boutiques, confectioneries, and novelty and artisan gift shops. You can find items created with care and attention to detail, whether a piece of jewelry, hand-crafted chocolates, fine art, a craft beverage, or a farm-to-table meal.
In addition to supporting the local economy, shopping locally also helps to build a sense of community. When you visit these businesses, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the owners and learn more about their craft. You might even make some new friends along the way!
So, the next time you’re out and about in Rochester or its surrounding villages, check out a few regional specialties. You’ll be supporting the local community in the process.
This list of local shops is ever-changing, so please let us know if you have a favorite local, family-owned, or small business in the comments below or contact me directly.
City of Rochester
- Aaron’s Alley
- Abode
- Akimbo Bookshop
- Anderson Alley Artists
- Andy’s Candies
- Archimage
- Arena’s
- Arlene’s Costumes
- The Artful Gardener
- Artisans Annex
- Craft Company No.6
- The Creator’s Hands
- Eastman Museum
- F. Olivers
- Gods N Gladiators
- Rochester Greenovation
- Hedonist Artisan Chocolates
- Hipocampo Children’s Books
- A Horse with Wings improbable beautiful things
- Hungerford Artisans
- Image City Photography Gallery
- Joe Bean Roasters
- Laughing Gull Chocolates
- The Library Store
- Little Button Craft
- Living Roots Wine & Co
- Mood Makers
- Memorial Art Gallery
- More Fire Glass Studio
- The Op Shop
- Parkleigh
- Record Archive
- ReHouse Architectural Salvage
- Rochester Museum and Science Center
- Rochester Public Market
- Salty Boutique
- Shop Peppermint
- Small World Books
- Statement
- Stever’s Candy
- The Strong National Museum of Play
- Transit Apparel
- useless objects
- Warehouse 127
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Monroe County
Brighton
- Eleventh Hour Gifts
- Panache Vintage & Finer Consignment
- Tree Town Cafe (nearly Penfield)
Brockport
Chili
Fairport
- Affaire de Chocolat
- Another Chapter Bookstore
- Corner Bookstore
- Lollypop Farm
- Main Street Mercantile
- What’s Good
Gates
Greece
Hamlin
Henrietta
Irondequoit
- Aman’s Farm & Market
- Bentley’s Studio
- Black’s Hardware
- Dan’s Crafts and Things
- Encore Chocolates
- Genrich’s Garden Center, Florist & Greenhouses
- House of Guitars
- Juniper Gifts + Local Art
- Ontario Mall Antiques
- Personal Designs Florist
Pittsford
- Book Culture
- Cleo + Kin
- Cocoa Bean Shoppe
- A Different Point of View
- Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters
- Notion
- One World Goods
- Pittsford Farms Dairy & Bakery
- Powers Farm Market
Webster
Wheatland
Genesee Valley
Finger Lakes
- Artisan’s Loft
- The Dog Eared Book
- Flint Creek Soap Company
- Handwork, Ithaca’s Artisan Cooperative
- L W Emporium Co-op
- MacKenzie-Childs
- MacKenzie’s Marketplace
- The Olde Country Store and More – 1849
- Original Candy Kitchen
- Sauders Store
- Skaneateles Artisans
- Sweet Expressions
- The Windmill Farm and Craft Market
Western New York
- Everything Elmwood
- Downtown Browsery
- Fowler’s Chocolates
- Lakeview Village Shoppes
- Marilla Country Store
- Oliver’s Candies
- Thin Ice
- Vidler’s 5 & 10
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Where are your favorite places to shop local?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
Rochester greenovation! It’s a great 2nd hand thrift store that has been around for 11 years!
Originally on main Street, then had to move to st Paul St, and is now moving to Flint st.
They are volunteer run and their mission is to keep usable items out of the landfill and help the community with affordable prices
Salty Boutique on Park Ave! They have such cool home goods ¥ apparel and lots of artisan made jewelry.
ReHouse Architectural Salvage at 469 W. Ridge, Rochester has over 21,000 sq ft of local salvage from properties that are being torn down or renovated. The space is well organized, bright and easy to stop. For unique, one of a kind items that add charm and character, shop ReHouse.
Artisans Annex at 467 West Ridge Road sells all local artists creations.
Arlene’s Costumes is your One Stop Disguise Shop for Halloween and so much more. They have been family owned and operated for 5 generations and 65 years!
They carry retail and rental costumes and accessories, theatrical makeup, wigs, hats, masks and other special products to make your events perfect.
Of course, Terry! Arlene’s Costumes is a great recommendation!
Sequels Consignment shop just added a new, second showroom in Brighton at 3450 Winton Place. The shop opened 6 years ago in Victor at a warehouse on 100 Rawson Rd. Added to all styles of furniture, the new 15,000 square foot shop has beautiful glassware, pottery, lighting, rugs, mirrors, and artwork–many from local artists. The owners also travel up and down the east coast to various auctions, bringing back furnishings and home decor not easily found in our area. You’ll find fine brand names like Stickley, Ethan Allen, MacKenzie-Childs, Waterford and many more. Open Tuesday through Saturday 11 to 5.