As fall approaches and temperatures drop into the low fifties, you’ll want to consider pulling a few jackets out of the corner of your closet or upgrading your closet at the Op Shop.
The shop is located in a quiet neighborhood on Charlotte Street, next to Ugly Duck Coffee. Shop owner Jo Carroll started this business five years ago as her 24-year-old entrepreneur who graduated from Alfred University. Passionate about her art and design, she opened this vintage her shop in 2017 at the recommendation of her sister and business partner Justin Carol.
The shop grew quickly, from its first two vendors to 15 vendors in just two years, and now boasts a total of 32 different vintage and handmade vendor brands. This makes Op one of the largest vintage shops in Rochester.
“I think it really proves the fact that different vendors can combine styles, sizes and different eras to come up with their own unique style,” says Carroll.
Carroll also points out that they intentionally gave each vendor its own rack so that customers could view each room and immerse themselves in each vendor’s style individually.
Even now, Carol, who loves design and fashion, runs the store. The walls are decorated with patched clothes and stylish skirts. She works with various local brands to create and produce unique clothing items. Carol says she is always looking for opportunities to work with local colleges and students who are passionate about art and design.
Carol also strives to keep her stock and supplies on trend. She believes that vintage is fashion itself. Because art regularly looks to the past, restyles and remakes. The 2000s fashion is making a comeback this year, and the 90s and 2000s fashions are all the rage, so the store’s greatest attraction is its selection of trendy products.In the exhibit, Carroll chose to display layered clothing and accessories, including sheer underwear and lingerie. “People are buying the best [and]cool corset […] High boots are in vogue, leather boots in general. I think ethically sourced leather, or vintage leather, will be the fall style.and “maxi” – whatever […] Maxi or mini. So it’s going to be a crop top and wide-leg pants and a maxi skirt or dress,” says Carroll.
The shop also strives to support minority groups, as Carole has stated that she is open to vendors who are LGBTQIA+ and offer extended sizes.
“I am always looking for people who are on board with LGBTQIA+ itself so that they can shop here and be a unique influencer to those who feel seen. Because we offer sizes, we also offer plus sizes and vintage sizes of size 14 and up,” says Carroll.
The store is a 5-minute walk from the Eastman Living Center Red Line shuttle stop and is open Thursday through Sunday.
