Shopping

Trip Ideas & Itinerary

From small boutiques to major malls, the shopping scene in Rochester has it all. Small town specialty stores, unique gift shops in local museums, and one of the oldest public markets in the country cannot be missed.

Day 1

Begin your shopping adventure in Rochester with a Park Avenue boutique crawl. Rochester’s Park Avenue neighborhood features picturesque tree-lined streets with an abundance of cafes, restaurants, salons, and shops! Must-visit boutiques in the walkable Park Ave neighborhood include Figgy Studio & Shop, Mansawear, Parkleigh, Statement, Salty Boutique, Stever’s Candies and many more! Another favorite Rochester boutique, Peppermint, is also in the neighborhood, located at the Culver Road Armory. Be sure to check out Peppermint’s impressive section of Rochester-themed gifts and gear.
Your next stop is the Record Archive. The Record Archive, which is a short drive from Park Avenue, is one of the largest record stores in the country and it is the first record store in the northeast to have an in-store bar! In addition to the largest collection of vinyl records in the northeast, the Record Archive sells gifts & toys, vintage clothing & furniture, t-shirts, souvenirs, 1000’s of movies, audio equipment, and much more.
Head to Rochester's East End area next to visit The Op Shop, where you'll find vintage, handmade and upcycled fashion and accessories. The shop carries all sizes, styles and eras ranging from 1920s - Y2K and features a revolving inventory.
Visit another one of the City of Rochester’s unique neighborhoods for more shopping. The South Wedge features funky and unique businesses, with several different shops and stores, including Little Button Craft Company, which offers a curated collection of hand crafted gifts and goods made by a community of artisans in the Rochester area. Wrap up a busy day of shopping with a sweet treat from Hedonist Artisan Chocolates and Ice Cream.

Day 2

Kick off the day with a visit to the Rochester Public Market, which has served the community from its spot on Union Street since 1905. Open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the Rochester Public Market Vendors offer fresh foods, ethnic delicacies, and specialty items. (Click here to take a video tour of the Rochester Public Market with the Dining Traveler)
Following a visit to the Public Market, your shopping-fueled trip will next bring you to the lively Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA). The neighborhood is named for the many artists and galleries that call it home. Your first NOTA stop is The Store @ MAG – Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery offers a gift shop that stands on its own. Shop The Store @ MAG for local, hand-crafted gifts for family and friends featuring works by over 75 regional artists. Ampersand is an independent book store operated by local literary non-profit, Writers & Books. Scents By Design is a pour-your-own candle and custom fragrance experience. Village Gate is a vital component of the Neighborhood of the Arts. It is an artsy shopping complex in a converted warehouse with galleries, shops and dining.
Not too far from Village Gate you will find the shop at the George Eastman Museum. The Eastman Museum shop is a must-visit for fans of photography and film.
Another popular museum gift shop is the store at The Strong National Museum of Play. The museum’s Everything for Play! shop sells new and classic toys. You’re sure to find something for all ages.
Down the street from The Strong National Museum of Play you will find Archimage, a self-described alternative department store that has been an anchor of Monroe Avenue since 1983.

Day 3

Schoen Place, a canal side shopping and dining destination adjacent to the Erie Canal in the Village of Pittsford, is your first stop for today. Browse a range of local shops and eateries, including boutique Cleo + Kin and gift shop Notions.
In the eastside suburb of Victor, you will find Alice's Red Rose Boutique, an artisan gift shop.
Wrap up a busy few days by checking out one of three Rochester-area malls: Eastview, Greece Ridge, or Marketplace Mall. The popular outdoor shopping destination Pittsford Plaza includes national brands and locally-owned stores, plus the flagship Wegmans’ store.