Nestled quietly in quaint downtown Oswego lays a treasure trove of reusable possibilities for the young and old alike. Open this storefront door and step into a nirvana of vintage opportunity. Port City Co-Op holds the enchanted key to your next shopping excursion. Take a walk inside and experience a trip back in time. You’ll feel your grandmother’s arms wrapped around you as you find your way throughout this unique little store.

What makes this shop so distinctive is the vast array of unusual merchandise located throughout: antiques, keepsakes, classics and traditional pieces alike, many old, some new, all items reclaimed and waiting for a new home. The best part of this well-kept secret is the prices. The big box stores blush in embarrassment compared to what this little store can do. Usually the words vintage and antique mean elevated dollar signs for the curious shopper. Not here. The prices are kept affordable so any savvy shopper can create a beautiful home or apartment on a tight budget.

Katherine Early, one of the shop owners, enlightened me on the charm and availability of goods to area residents.

“Probably the most exciting thing about our store is the prices,” Early said. “We have several dealers as well as the owners, who really have a passion for just making sure that things are reused. Therefore we scour all over the state looking for items that are inexpensive and pass that savings on to everybody.”

Early feels her shop attracts college students with affordable and unique items.

“It is something I feel so strongly about, that I’m willing to make a minimum amount of profit in order to attract young people into the idea of buying things that have had a happy history already and just want a new life,” Early said.

According to Early, an Institutional Employee Appreciation Night is in the works for Oswego State faculty and staff. Early said she would love to incorporate students into the event as well. The Co-op is also hosting a one year Anniversary Holiday Open House on November 15 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and a Small Business Saturday/Light Up Oswego event on November 28 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

You can find Port City Co-Op located at 137B W. Second St. in the heart of downtown, located directly across from the Oswego Movie Theater. If you want some fun, food and savings or just want to reap the benefits of a less expensive shopping experience, visit Port City Co-op.