One Of America's Last 5 & 10 Cent Stores Is Right Here In New York And We're So Lucky
By Lea Monroe|Published November 22, 2016
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
There was once a time where you could find “5 & 10” stores in almost every town across America. These charming variety stores are just one of the many things that have been lost with time, with locations that are only few and far between around our country. Luckily for our residents, out in the small village of East Aurora in Western New York, there’s a quaint variety store that will take you on a trip back in time.
Aside from taking over neighboring buildings on Main Street, not much has changed about Vidler's since it originally opened back in 1930!
After hearing his mother-in-law complain about having to dry all the way to Buffalo just to get a simple spool of thread, it was in 1930 that Robert Vidler Senior would open up this incredible variety store. Today, the store is run by the third generation of Vidler's, Robert's grandchildren who carry on his wonderful traditions.
While Robert Vidler Senior may no longer be around to run the store, he still manages to watch over the place from the rooftop.
While you'll still be able to buy both 5 and 10 cent items in the store, but there's also a mixture of practical and whimsical items that you can find here.
If you didn't know that wings or sponge candy existed in the form of ornaments, then your tree has been missing out! It's here at this variety store where you'll be able to find whimsical holiday decorations that will warm your home right up for the season.
Another taste of nostalgia, Vidler's has various candy spread throughout your favorite old time jars.
Between the size and amount of items, visitors can spend endless hours shopping through this charming store. From metal kazoos, greeting cards, unique masks, handmade soap, cookie cutters and bacon floss, you won't believe all of the things you can find in this one store.
Tradition and nostalgia carried all throughout the store, you'll find old favorites like a "Guess Your Fortune" and fresh popcorn machines here.
Hold the paper bag up to the machine and you'll soon be able to enjoy fresh popcorn while you shop around Vidler's! When's the last time you saw something like this while you were shopping?
Another sign that not much has changed here? You won't find barcodes being used while you check out! Those who work at Vidler's will ring up every item for you by hand!
Last but not least, you can't leave Vidler's without taking a ride on Sandy the mechanical horse!
Believe it or not, Sandy the mechanical horse has been operating in Vidler's for over fifty years! Today she lights up the faces of visitors who are small enough to ride her, still only costing ten cents to ride.
How to get here: 676-694 Main Street East Aurora, NY 14052
To get an even better look at this entire store if you’ve yet to visit yourself, don’t miss out on this wonderful YouTube video brought to you by Vidler’s 5 & 10 below!
