The Shops On West Ridge — Local services in Town of Greece

I've been going to The Shops since about 21 years ago when I learned that a vendor there was selling my father's artwork. When I went there to buy it, I had no idea how to find it. I didn't know the vendor's name, number, or shop number, but when I described it, a vendor remembered seeing it and found it for me. I was so grateful! Since then, whenever I've shopped there (often... it's been "my happy place" since), I've been treated well since the minute I walk in the door, and I always find too many goodies! I always spend about 4 hours in the building whenever I shop at The Shops, taking turns each time on which level I start on.

Several years ago, I started wishing I could have a shop there, and it took me about 5 years or more to inquire about it because I always imagined it wasn't possible for me. I asked who I now know is Ali and honestly, I was so surprised by her welcoming response! She put my name on a waitlist and I've been a vendor for almost a year now. :) I did worry that the change in the relationship from customer to vendor would ruin my feelings for the place. Everyone knows that often happens when you see the "behind-the-scenes." Hand to God, it only made me love the place more!

It's a co-op, so all the workers there are vendors. Of course, when that many people get together under one roof, there may be some differences among them, but the differences are few, and in the 37 years of my life I've spent working, I've never seen management lead by example better than Doug, Nile, and Ali. As an employee, I have NEVER, UNTIL WORKING AT THE SHOPS, been treated AS WELL AS THE CUSTOMERS are treated by management. The 3 of them treat me as if I'm still a valued customer to them every. single. day. and for many reasons I won't go into here, that mean the world to me. The Shops is STILL my happy place. I LOVE working there and I STILL LOVE shopping there!

This is already long, but I want to clear up a misconception I've been reading in the comments. The Shops has a handful of vendors walking both the upper and lower floors. Many comments mention that the employees are "more concerned about loss prevention than customer service." When I was trained on my first day as a "walker," looking out for shoplifting was NEVER mentioned to me. Sure, I pay attention if something appears fishy, and most vendors have installed cameras in their shops, but, as a walker, I was taught: "Look for anyone holding items in their hands and ask them if they would like you to bring the items to the Hold Area, no matter how small the item, so they can shop hands-free. Keep your eye out for any customers that seem confused or in need of help and ask how you can help them. If they want anything lifted, carried, or taken down from up high and you can't do it yourself, call for other walkers to help you on the walkie. Look for items in the shops that are out of place and return them to the proper shop. Clean up anything that looks messy. Respond to calls for help on the walkies. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF with all the shops the best you can so you can be helpful when a customer asks if we have a particular item." THOSE are the reasons we walk the floors. We are not told, "Look for anyone trying to steal." We have cameras for that and the walkers ARE there to be of service the best they can. If you get crappy service, please tell the person behind either greeter's desk (upstairs or downstairs) and they will be sure to discuss this with management who will talk with the vendor. Truly, the owners care so much about every customer and their vendors, and that says a lot about their character! As kind as they are, they don't hold back if something needs to be said in order to make The Shops a better experience...

Warning: Do not go to the Shops on Westridge if you're looking for a quick trip. This is an afternoon adventure at best, an all-day excursion if you're really dedicated. You've been warned.

I've been to the Shops on Westridge three times. Each of these visits was before Christmas. I remember walking in the first time thinking, "oh, this looks nice!" and then I discovered an entire downstairs level and I knew instantly how Dorothy felt when she opened the door of her black and white room and found Technicolor on the other side. The blue skies shone. Bluebirds chirped. Angels sang the Hallelujah chorus. I was in heaven.

Do you like antiques? Good, you'll find a good selection. Looking for unique gifts? You're covered. Need holiday decor? Show up in November. Paint? Food? Books? Furniture? Yes. Yep. Uh huh. Got it.

They really do have something for everyone here, including a little cafe in the back on the main level because trust me, you're going to get hungry.

There is ample parking. They have two bathrooms and I have yet to encounter a line at either one. The temperature inside is comfortable. Everything is clean and the aisles are plenty wide. The people are nice. Everything is marked well. They have maps and pencils. Sometimes there are opportunities to win gift baskets or other prizes. Oh yeah, and shopping carts downstairs. Not just hand baskets; actual shopping carts! Things you can lean against that help hold you up when you've already spent three hours on the upstairs level.

On my last visit I bought: A really cute, artsy oven mitt Cheesecake mix A Christmas ornament Another Christmas ornament A wooden spoon Some catnip drink for my daughter's cat A wooden sign A couple of vintage juice glasses A book

There were many, many other things I enjoyed looking at, and if I'd bought nothing, I'd have still called it a good day because any time I can walk through an antique store feels like a trip down Memory Lane, and those are always welcome. (Oh crap. I'm...

SUCH a great place! I'm angry with myself that we didn't go there sooner after moving to CNY. The "floor walkers" are fabulous. No sooner than you have a puzzled look on your face, they materialize out of the ether to help you. And, they are cheerful, knowledgeable and willing to do whatever you need. Same for the folks at the cashiers desk where discounts are given. If you pick something up, or express an interest in something, they whisk it off to the express line. And, if you get there, but you've found something you like better - no problem, no scowling. And, if you want to try for a slightly reduced price - no problem - they call the seller and try to help you out with that. And, once you've decided what you want - they pack it up and carry it straight out to the parking lot for you, with a smile! I could go on and on. I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Can't wait to go back. ALSO - everything is so clean. So well-organized. No dust, no grime - just really great items at great prices. One tiny little nit - it is not handicapped friendly. My one knee is crippled and going up and down the stairs (only once) was painful. So many great things on the lower level...Wish they had an elevator or at least a handicapped entrance down below... Thank you to all the kind folks at the SHOPS who helped us out...