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!)

I went in to browse and found some lovely books for my grandsons and a birthday card for my sister…read more What a large assortment of stunning items for almost everyone I know. Free membership that doesn't expire. Discounted items (including book shelves of them as well) from holidays and their book selection offers. Helpful, kind present people working there. It's downtown Schenectady so street parking. (Best to go on Sunday)

The Open Door is Schenectady's locally-owned independent bookstore and gift gallery, serving the…read morecapital region for 50 years. We carry a wide selection of literature for adults and children, including those of local and regional interest, as well as an expansive variety of toys, gifts, jewelry, stationery, personal accessories and home goods. Located in the heart of downtown Schenectady on the Jay Street Pedestrian Mall, they are around the corner from Proctors Theatre and many restaurants. There is lots of parking. The knowledgeable staff is wonderful to deal with in person or by telephone. The store even offer a frequent shopper rewards card. I had to pick up a book I ordered. Like many people, I prefer to support small businesses rather than Amazon and large mall bookstores whenever I can. The store was packed with great displays of books and gifts artfully arranged. I am always impressed with the space and attention devoted to books etc. for children. Before I checked out with the book I ordered, I selected a children's board book, three greetings cards, a stained glass frame for a 5 X 7 photo, and an adorable pair of llama socks for my young granddaughter. Great retail therapy!

We stopped by this cute gift shop. Mary Ann helped us and was incredibly nice and helpful. I love…read morethe selection of items available. A lot of the jewelry is from Dublin, Ireland and some can be ordered if she doesn't have your size. They also offer custom family crest items which would make a fantastic gift!! There are so many awesome items there!

Lovely shop with a huge variety of food and other items, including jewelry. Perfect timing running…read moreinto this shop as we were walking around the downtown as I really wanted a pair of claddagh earrings to go with my claddagh charm in time for St. Patrick's Day. They had a really nice selection of jewelry and the woman working was nice enough to open the case and let me have a look. I decided on a pair and she even told me the background, including a famous shop in Dublin where they were produced. I loved the pendant too but didn't want to splurge too much (they were around $70) but it's on my list to get the next time I pass by.

Amazing shop! Quirky antiques, especially for ladies. Great local handmade gifts. Not to mention…read morethe 2 sweets cats who reside in the store during business hours.

Great gift shop and a lovely experience in Schenectady. Love the new location. Convenient and…read moreperfect.

Unique selection of gifts for myself& friends. The owner is friendly&helpf-…read moreParking is a pain as Ussually in Schenectady but otherwise I get there as often as possible.

What is not to love about Candy.... Stopped here on way home on my quest for hard candy water melon…read moreslices. While I did not find my hard candy watermelon slices. I did leave with a bunch of Penny Candy (not a penny anymore but brought back childhood memories) and two boxes of chocolates. The chocolate Truffles did not last a day and to be honest haven't tried their signature candy but am looking forward to cracking that box open.

I've been going here my entire marriage and before for the love of my life. She loves the…read morestrawberries. And I gotta say Uncle Sam's candy has never let me down. 13 years this year and never a bad experience. Courteous staff, prompt service and very fair pricing. Very happy customer. See you next year or sooner.

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.