The Vandy Thrift Shoppe celebrates successful first year in vibrant Beaver Alley
The Vandy Thrift Shoppe, a retail store established by Vanderheyden that provides opportunities for hands-on job experience for individuals Vanderheyden serves with special developmental, emotional, and behavioral needs, is celebrating its first anniversary at 412 Broadway in downtown Albany this Friday and Saturday, March 31 and April 1. The celebration includes a special anniversary sale featuring guest cashiers Mark Eagan, Capital Region Chamber President, and Kathy Lanni, Broadview Federal Credit Union Chief Community Officer on Friday, and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan on Saturday. On both days, guests can enjoy 20% off the entire store, cookies from Vanderheyden’s Cookie Jar bakery, coupons to neighboring businesses, and on Saturday, a live performance by a stilt walker.
Downtown Albany BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens joined Vanderheyden President and CEO Karen Carpenter, Volunteer Store Operator Tracy Metzger, Fort Orange General Store Owner Schuyler Bull, Loch & Quay Owner Frank O’Connor, together with representatives from Broadview Federal Credit Union, Capitalize Albany Corporation and local elected officials for a special ceremony Friday morning in honor of The Vandy's successful first year and the growing economic activity in Beaver Alley.
Downtown Albany BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens said: “The Vandy’s wild success in their first year shows that retail in Downtown is not only viable, but thriving. With double the amount of business they had anticipated in year one, The Vandy has been able to far surpass expectations and support the important work of Vanderheyden. It’s wonderful to see neighboring businesses building on each other’s success and expanding evening and weekend hours while enriching residential life Downtown and adding to the growing list of reasons for others to visit Albany’s Central Social District.”
In its first year, The Vandy raised $150,000 to benefit Vanderheyden, one of the premier children, adult, and family service agencies in the Capital Region. The Vandy is part of the Vanderheyden’s career training programs and is operated and managed collaboratively by Vanderheyden students, team members, and clients.
Vanderheyden President and CEO Karen Carpenter said: “We are overjoyed to celebrate a successful first anniversary at The Vandy Thrift Shoppe. The business collaborations in downtown Albany are invaluable. The donors and grant support has enabled us to make tremendous strides in job training for our individuals. This entire year has been a vital experience with so many to thank for assisting us in changing lives to save lives.”
Vanderheyden has received support from Broadview Federal Credit Union for their Career Center including The Vandy, first with a $100,000 grant to begin the Vanderheyden Career Center program and an additional pledge of $50,000 over a two-year period starting in 2023.
Michael Castellana, CEO, Broadview Federal Credit Union said: “Broadview is thrilled to continue to support Vanderheyden’s Career Center and The Vandy Thrift Shoppe. The shop has been an exciting addition to a revitalized Downtown Albany neighborhood and also continues to help the many individuals that Vanderheyden serves by building a foundation of critical skills.”
In April 2022, Vanderheyden received a Downtown Albany Retail Grant Program award which supported The Vandy Thrift Shoppe’s storefront signage and interior renovations. Developed and administered by Capitalize Albany Corporation, the program is made possible with support from the City of Albany Capital Resource Corporation. Created in 2016, the program can assist with a location’s renovation, fit-up costs, and exterior improvements.
Capitalize Albany Corporation president and City of Albany Capital Resource Corporation CEO Sarah Reginelli said, “The Vandy has filled a critical retail niche identified in our downtown neighborhood development strategic plans. This shop gives downtown a quality thrift retailer with a boutique feel. Beyond supporting Albany’s central business district and its expanding downtown neighborhood, we are thrilled to also be able to support Vanderheyden’s meaningful work in the community. Congratulations on a successful first year, and on behalf of our Boards, I’m grateful to the Vanderheyden team that made this possible for expanding their investment in their mission while bringing such a benefit to the downtown community in the process.”
Tracy Metzger, operating volunteer at The Vandy said: “I’ve never been in retail before, so The Vandy has been quite the experience for me as a volunteer operating the store. The community has been so supportive, and we have repeat customers that come in every week. I have met so many wonderful people, and working with the individuals from Vanderheyden has been very gratifying as well. I am looking forward to our second year as we extend our hours and look to program Beaver Alley with our neighbors.”
Located next door to The Vandy, Fort Orange General Store also has plans to expand its weekend hours to capitalize on increased foot traffic, driven largely by the influx of neighboring businesses. The store, which offers a curated selection of home goods, gifts, stationery, jewelry and more, has seen an average 30% increase in sales year-over-year since opening in 2017, and has welcomed more than 35,000 customers during that time.
Fort Orange General Store owner Schuyler Bull said: “The partnership amongst our neighboring businesses demonstrates one of many benefits of being located in a downtown setting in which we can collectively share in each other’s success. Through the efforts of many individuals and organizations, including the Downtown Albany BID and Capitalize Albany, we’ve effectively transformed this area from a largely vacant block into a vibrant commercial corridor that continues to grow in popularity.”
Loch and Quay will celebrate five years in business on April 14. Located at 414 Broadway, the former home to the Plaza Grill and later Franklin Tower, Loch and Quay is open for both lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday.
Frank O’Connor IV, owner of Loch & Quay said: “We wish every continued success to The Vandy and its mission! It has been an exciting year--having both the Fort Orange General Store and The Vandy active on Beaver Alley has brought added life to the Alley, to Loch & Quay and to our mutual patrons. The Vandy and Fort Orange made the winter brighter, and we very much look forward to joint events in Beaver Allery this spring and summer with our neighbors and friends.”
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said: “When the City, Capitalize Albany, and the Downtown Albany BID first set out to attract additional investment in downtown Albany, the successes along Beaver Alley are exactly what we had in mind. The Fort Orange General Store is a go-to for gifts and local souvenirs, Loch and Quay is a favorite whether after work or on a night out before an event at MVP Arena, and The Vandy is helping reuse garments and raise funds for the important work happening at Vanderheyden. These successes can only happen when there is housing available in this walkable neighborhood and when we are attracting businesses and visitors every day - and that’s exactly what’s happening in downtown Albany.”
Assemblymember Patricia Fahy said: “Downtown Albany continues to thrive as the core of our Capital Region. Our businesses, shops, entertainment venues, green spaces, and more continue to drive responsible development and increased foot traffic. Congratulations to both The Vandy and the Fort Orange General Store on their continued success and for extending hours to accommodate increasing foot traffic to their locations. It’s another reminder that walkability and investing in the future of our small businesses matters and that the future is happening right here in Albany.”
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, "Congratulations to The Vandy Thrift Shoppe on their first anniversary. The Vandy not only helps supplement funding at Vanderheyden but also provides vocational programming, giving students the opportunity for invaluable retail experience. I am happy to see the growth of these businesses along Beaver Alley, including The Vandy and the Fort Orange General Store, as small businesses are an integral part of our economy and our community."
Vanderheyden offers a safe haven for youth, adults and families who have experienced family disruption, trauma, abuse, emotional difficulty, developmental disability and learning problems. A designated Children and Family Treatment and Support Services Provider (CFTSS), Vanderheyden has been providing services for more than 185 years. The agency is committed to a family focused, trauma informed and community-based system of care.
The Vandy offers men and women’s clothing, accessories, and home décor, and includes a boutique with gowns and designer suits and dresses. Following the expansion of their store hours, The Vandy will be open Tuesday, Wednesdays and Fridays 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, Thursdays 11:00 AM-6:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday 12:00 PM-4:00 PM.
