i friggin love this place. so many different awesome goodies. last time i went i got some sheep's…read moremilk soap that cured this mysterious rash i had on my chest. i also love the nonna's cookies, the ice cream, and the hair clips.

It was a very Electric City Christmas for many on my shopping list this year, and I have…read moreSchenectady Trading Co. to thank. A welcome addition to the Schenectady small business retail scene, it's very on-brand, and I'm here for it. I was able to get quite a few Schenectady-centric Christmas gifts here, and since I always try to support local makers and businesses first, this shop made it super easy - lots of one-stop-shopping potential. My haul included: - two ornaments for the Christmas trees of my Schenectady born-and-raised sisters who no longer live in the 518 - a cute little crocheted elf for my 5-month old niece made my a local granny - a rather stunning wooden bowl, handmade by a local engineer/former colleague of the owner who parkates in woodworking as a hobby - Electric City themed gifts for my boss, who's a Schenectady guy at heart, including a wooden/metal hybrid bottle opener with "ELECTRIC CITY" boldy branded on the front, a pint glass with a cool 70s-esque, retro font ("ELECTRIC CITY"), matching sticker (for the laptop!), and a coaster, but not just any old boring coaster. This one had an illustrated scene printed on glossy enamel depicting a Schenectady police officer playing basketball with a child. Not only did this fit my theme, but the I knew the coaster I chose (there were several different ones) would be significant because his father is a retired Schenectady cop. I guess the pictures on the coasters were part of a public art project, where Schenectady-themed scenes were drawn and then selected to appear on merchandise for the Greenmarket and other items, like these coasters sold here. This is a rough Cliffs Notes version of the project, but it was cool learning about it, knowing it was part of something bigger and community focused. It's the little touches like that which make gift giving feel so special, and I know I wouldn't have found any of those beautiful, thoughtful, local gifts without a shop like Schenectady Trading Co. It would have been even better if there was a small card with a write up about the art project, so I could have gifted the coaster with a bit more "purpose." I like it when I can include a write up about the artist or project or whatever interesting element might need further explaining to make the gift even more interesting. Aside from my local finds, there's plenty of other merchandise, and items that stuck out were a selection of Tough Traveler bags (hometown favorite!), "Electric City" and "Schenectady, Light Up the World!" apparel, a cool assortment of Schenectady inspired vinyl stickers, chocolates from Schenectady-based chocolate shop, Uncle Sam's, and quite a few other odds and ends. I'm thankful that shops like this exist, backed by business owners who have an appreciation for the city and realize there's a need for some Electric City gift giving magic. Wishing them lots of luck, and excited to see what type of programming the owner has in mind down the road (she hinted on wanting this to be more than a retail shop, with poetry nights and books clubs and other outlets for mental stimulation - bring it on!)

It's a shame that I've never reviewed this business before. I suppose that's because I'm not the…read moreone in our house who is creative in making the house appear warm and welcoming. But what is truly a tragedy is the fact that this business will be closing soon. Yes, the owners are retiring. If you're someone who has typically shopped at the chain craft stores and never heard of Experience then you don't know what you missed out on. Were you looking for a unique fake flower or plant to add to your arrangement? This was the place you should have come to. Were you looking to throw a special party and knew who you'd have as a caterer but had no idea who could make your settings and surroundings fit a theme or look absolutely fabulous? Then Experience was where you needed to come. Did you just want ideas on how to make a display or a corner of a room stand out with something beautiful? Yes, Experience was going to help you achieve that goal. So why am I bothering to even tell you all this since they will be closing? Well, everything is currently marked DOWN! WAY, WAY DOWN!! I almost bought things that I didn't need because they were 75% off. My wife is truly going to miss these folks. We wish them a happy retirement.

Bought a Christmas wreath with lights for my Mom soon after you opened. Can you beleive the lights…read moreare STILL working the the wreath looks brand new.

Still the best! Paul once again and Mike were kind and patient and knowledgeable. Many thanks and…read morebest wishes always.

We've had consistently positive experience at this ACE store, although we visit infrequently. The…read moremost recent was to pick up an online order, and as always, the staff was welcoming, friendly, and helpful. I personally like that the store has a sort of corner shop vibe although it's not exactly small. The store is airways well lit and aisles are clearly labeled, and again the staff here have been exceptionally helpful. The news BBQ section in the back atrium is impressive even if I'm not the biggest cook in the family. And I also saw a custom shirt section although by the looks of it, I may be able to customise more than t-shirts. I hope they keep improving and stay open for a long time.

I absolutely am in love with this store. Right in the heart of Downtown Troy, it's a very easy stop…read morein while shopping at the farmer's market. Unfortunately there isn't that much in the store than I can reasonably afford and this makes me pretty sad. But still a beautiful store and every time I'm downtown, I go in and browse.

What a transformation. We almost gave up on this piece so many times, but thanks to the FunCycled…read morecrew, now it's sentimental value is reflected in its beauty. Such a pleasure to work with them. They were determined to exceed our expectations. 10 out of 5 stars!

I brought 12 items to consign that no longer bring me "joy" including an original watercolor and…read morea collectible NY Yankee Don Mattingly figurine. My family was not interested in any of the items. Mary, one of the owners, reviewed the items and accepted them all to put on sale in the shop. 50 percent of selling price goes to the consigner. Mary and her partner Jennifer are knowledgeable about the secondary market, marketing, and customer service. They run a great shop and a well organized website. They have a new larger location on Charlton Road across the street from Charlton Tavern. Check out their website for hours. Best wishes for continued success in their new location! Consign and Recycle!

Nice place to browse although they didn't seem to have too many items. Watch yourself as you walk…read morearound as the floors are old, crack and one spot seemed like it was going to take my foot. Very helpful and friendly staff. Make sure you go to their brew location, I don't think Yelp map is up to date yet with their new location.

A delightful home decor shop that specializes in rustic, farmhouse style. Seasonal themes, candles,…read moreand faux flowers, berries, twigs, evergreens for all your decorating needs. There are ornaments and unusual vases and containers for your arrangements. The woman there spent at least 10 minutes giving me advice on a floral arrangement. They also have events occasionally as well.

The owner of this adorable shop is so down to earth and approachable. The shop itself calms the…read moresoul with its' beautiful background music. The items are a feast for the eyes. I want to buy one of everything when I shop at The Speckled Hen.

WENT to return an item and the manager and checkout person were both rude. there's such a big deal…read moreon the website about easy returns and it was not easy or friendly...and that was with a receipt. no reason to give an attitude

Fun shopping! Tons of choice and generally a cool experience with all sorts of bric-a-brac and many…read morestyles of furniture and frames! The staff is top notch; helpful and quite fun. There are always folks spending money. Review: 5

They have fabric but it's a pretty crappy selection very basic stuff. Very limited colors and…read morefabric makes. It's sad. As for their non sewing stuff saw a lot of stuff some of it's just junky.

Great place !! All of it friendly people! We have stores with no more help on the floor takes to…read morelong so I avoid those stores or not speaking English! Hate seeing a lot of stores closing! Rose