Rochester is well known for its variety of food, culture, art, and shopping experiences people can enjoy while they visit. Many local businesses offer niche clothes, accessories, and trinkets to take home or bring to a loved one.
Here is a list of shops you can expect to enjoy while you're here:
Parkleigh
Founded in 1960, Parkleigh opened as a pharmacy. After 26 years of serving the local community, they reopened as a gift shop that houses various regional brands. Shoppers can find gifts like books, crafts, jewelry, food, games and more. Visit parkleigh.com to learn more.
Address: 215 Park Ave
Archimage
In English, the term Archimage means "great magician," and its origin dates back to 1545-55. The family-owned business was established in 1983. In less than 3000 square feet, shoppers can find a variety of specialty items from local brands. You can expect to see items like clothing, crystals, Asian dishware, toys, plants, candles, and more. Visit archimagestore.com to learn more.
Address: 668 Monroe Ave
Hi-Fi Lounge
Originally known as The CD Exchange in 1986, this store evolved from a music store and is now considered the world's smallest audio store. With a focus on quality, they are always looking to purchase and trade for audio gear or music collections. They also provide audio lines, speaker systems, and repairs for turntables and amplifiers. Learn more at hifiloungeaudio.com .
Address: 1822 Monroe Ave
Bop Shop Records
This independently owned record was founded by Tom Kohn in 1982. Kohn spent the 70s working for MXR and Rounder Records but has always had a passion for music and sharing it with others as a collector and lover of live music. At the shop, you'll find a variety of genres, such as classic rock, folk, soul, country, bluegrass, and more. With more than 30,000 classical LPs and over 200,000 records, shoppers will find a large selection of CDs and vinyls. Learn more at bopshop.com
Address: 1460 Monroe Ave.
Gallea's Greenhouse
Young couple Joe and Ann Gallea started their business in 1957 as Clover Croft Farm Market. While raising their family of five children and 19 grandchildren, they grew their business until retirement in 1985. Now, their three children, Joe Jr., Sheryl (Roets), and Susan (Lang), continue the family business in their new building in Pittsford. They offer unique plant materials, gifts, and bouquets. Along with indoor plant care at the greenhouse, bouquets are available online for delivery. Visit galleas.com to learn more.
Address: 2832 Clover St., Pittsford
Niblack Foods
Born as a bakery in 1932, NiBlack Foods was known for milling its flour and offering specialty whole-grain bread, cookies, and pastries. Years after its opening, it became a source of wholesale products like toasted wheat germ, pancake mixes, cookies, and granola. Now, it has added high-quality spices, flavors, and seasoning blends. Learn more at niblackfoods.com .
Address: 900 Jefferson Rd Unit #6
Joy Mart
Earlier this year, College Town, owned by the University of Rochester, added Joy Mart grocery Store and cafe. The Cafe is owned by Yaofang (Vicki) Liang, an alumna of the University’s Warner School of Education. Students and residents will be able to enjoy a variety of Asian and specialty beverages, grocery items, and prepared foods.
Address: 1347 Mt Hope Ave.
Stuart's Spices
Starting in 1992 with local Rochestarian Stuart Shultz, he began selling pre-packaged spices at the public market before creating his own blends. After his retirement, couple Tom & Vicky Finnefrock continued the legacy until 2022. Now owned by John Vangellow, they continue to provide high-quality herbs and blends for all types of cooking. Learn more at stuartsspices.com .
Address: 754 South Clinton Ave.
Genae Shields is the business & development impact reporter. Reach out at gshields@gannett.com or on Instagram: @genaebriphoto for questions, comments, or concerns. Thank you for your continued support!
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 8 quirky shops to visit in Rochester
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