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!)

This is my favorite Michaels' store! Everything is always so well organized throughout the entire…read morestore and I always find what I need. I mostly shop at Michaels for scrapbook supplies such as letters and stickers. This Michaels has the best selection of scrapbook supplies. Also, don't forget to check for coupons on their website (put in the zip code for the store you are shopping at) and use your teacher's ID for discounts! :)

I came over here, hoping to find some fabric. Due to a back injury, I assumed they would have…read moremotorized carts because they've always had them in the past. Not only do they no longer have them, but they also no longer have paper bags to put your items in. The staff doesn't give a shit about you, refuse to help, and act like it kills them to have to wait on you. Selection is piss poor at best lots of empty shelves. This store and its employees are typical of the attitude in good old Smallbany. Congratulations on being one of the worst Michaels I've ever seen.

Lots of items for different seasonal times. Love this store!! Will continue to shop here.read more

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.

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

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

This beautiful little boutique gift shop nestled within the Robinson Ace Hardware is adorable! The…read morecare and design with the store's set up is how I would expect to see something in Soho or the Hamptons but with much more affordable prices. I was happy to find gift items I usually can only find online but I love much more to support local and see what I am getting in person (and not have to pay shipping fees.) I picked up unusual gift items that I can't find online as well. I was only in the area to visit, but I will definitely make my way up here again if only to visit this store because it's worth going out of the way for.

Really cute store with a well curated selection of gifts and decor. They have a good selection…read morethroughout the store of items made by local artisans - which is nice to see. Also a variety of items featuring the Albany area (glassware, clothes, magnets, paintings/pictures, bags, etc). Lots of unique items to browse and a great spot for gifts for yourself or friends.

Finding this consignment shop truly made my day! Tracey Harris, the owner, greeted me as soon as I…read morewalked in. Everything is well-organized, clean and neat. She has a wide selection of quality items available. I found a couple of great things on sale, and I'm planning on returning soon. Even though she was busy with a couple of customers, she made time to chat with me and was helpful without being pushy. I noticed that she is very attentive to her regular customers and she knows exactly what they're looking for! Always be kind, you never know what someone is going through; Tracey's beauty and positive energy really lifted my spirits; finding a Dior scarf and glittery earrings helped too!

Decided to go back on a whim, and had a much better experience. Owner was helpful but not…read moreoverbearing and I ended up purchasing some great items. I think k I'll be back and hopefully continue to have a good vibe there

Such a cool store! Fabrics and fixings galore. Very affordable. The owner, Vivienne, is so sweet…read moreand genuinely enjoys working with her customers. Definitely call ahead first to make sure they are open before making the trip because they do sometimes close for special orders.

Owner was very friendly and helpful. Selection of materials isn't available at other fabric shops…read morethat primarily cater to quilters. Fabrics were reasonably priced. Lovely bridal fabrics as well