The Op Shop — Attraction in City of Rochester

I love this shop! It is truly full of magical, inspiring, enchanting garments—and the many humans who come together with collaboration, open spiritedness, and hard work are so special. I cannot count how many of my favorite vintage outfits have come from here. The selection is always changing and the shop itself constantly seeks to improve and grow. Not only does this space generate encounters with one of a kind textiles, it facilitates community, connection, and creativity. This space has been central to my experience of making long lasting, intimate, cherished friendships, which has been immensely healing.

I started popping up here in February 2018, and I’ve been involved at this shop ever since. I’ve seen it undergo expansion, and I’ve consistently worked as a volunteer employee through most of this time. The owner is very clear that her small number of employees (as I write this, there are two main volunteers who manage the shop alongside the owner--so three women total oversee the majority of operations) are volunteers, She states upfront that she cannot offer monetary compensation and in its place, offers free space to pop up amongst other benefits. She is very receptive to feedback. I expressed my concerns about hours/wages, and she listened, reducing the expected minimum number of volunteer hours and increasing employee perks. Whenever I vocalize any potential issue—which of course arises from time to time with any small business in its beginning stages!!—she takes my comments seriously and does everything within her power to accommodate. We choose to volunteer because we value the shop's role as a space of empowerment, creativity, friendship, and sustainable fashion.

Bottom line is, this shop is GREAT. There are many different types of vintage styles all at sorts of price points, from $5 bargains to higher-scale, rare, 1920s-era gowns. The many vendors strive to provide garments for all body types and all genders, and will make appointments to help customers with styling. They host numerous events that cater to different crowds, some centering Rochester’s womxn (monthly full moon astrology gatherings!), some teaching unique skills (mending workshops!), and some providing a platform for local artists and other businesses (zine releases!). The young owner constantly motivates herself to provide the best possible shop and never stops growing. I’m so thankful and grateful for all that this space does for...

Although Rochester is full of good ways to source second hand, the Op Shop is hands down one of my favorite places to go! First of all it is such a beautifully curated store that holds and supports vintage vendors from all around Rochester. There is never a time that I’m in there and cannot find something beautiful to bring home with me. I also love that it is inclusive to many different body shapes and sizes and also has items for all genders! Woo!

Not only this but Joanna (the owner) alongside the others who work there are just about the sweetest, knowledgeable, most down to earth, genuine women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. You can tell with every conversation that Joanna puts her heart and soul into this place and is always working to improve in any way she can! Although I have to say as far as I can tell she is simply killing it.

This place and the community she has built here has also allowed me to meet and create opportunities for myself that may never have been otherwise. So thank you, Joanna, and the Op shop for existing and doing everything that you do. I will definitely be shopping sustainably and successfully for as long as this...

Rochester has it’s fair share of vintage shops, and the Op Shop is definitely one of the leaders of that group.

The store is broken up by “pop-up” sellers, so being able to shop each seller on their own allows you get a nice feel for that person’s style and personality. I also appreciate the selection of more contemporary and accessible menswear which can often be lacking in the vintage world. In similar stores, I often find my myself rifling through clothing that is not easily adaptable to a more classic or traditional wardrobe like I have myself. As a Rochester native, I was excited to find a Red Wings t-shirt from the 90s in excellent condition that I could wear to games in the spring and summer.

The store is bright, clean, and well organized which is always appreciated. The ownership has a clear artistic vision and passion for what they do, which I have no doubt you will sense when...