When Patti Coleman moved to the Bradford area from Belmont, N.Y., she knew she would want to own and operate her own shop just as she had done in the past.
Coleman made that happen when she recently opened the Generations Old and New craft and antique shop at 443 E. Main St. The shop is located in the Mini Mall in Bradford at the site of the former Rays Gun Shop, on the lower side of the mall. The business has plenty of free parking in a large adjacent lot.
Coleman said she had lived in Belmont for 20 years before moving to Bradford. While in New York state she owned and operated a couple of craft and second-hand stores.
“I had a craft store and a second-hand store (in Wellsville and Belmont) and I’ve had craft shows — that’s what I’ve always done,” Coleman said.
She said the current store sells goat milk soap made in Allegany County in New York, as well as gourmet Nunda Mustard. The shop also sells handmade items such as baby quilts, crocheted hats, windsocks for football teams as well as her own handmade pillows.
In addition, Northern Lights Candles, made in the Wellsville area, are also available. She said the specialty fragranced candles are designed in various wizard shapes, with more varieties soon to be stocked.
Coleman said the shop also sells materials to make crafts in a small section of the shop and includes some items for knitting and crocheting.
“We’ll eventually expand the craft department,’ Coleman added.
“We also have summer antique chairs, a lot of glassware items” and homemade jams, tomato sauces and bread and butter pickles. The latter items are made by vendor Gerri Schillinger, who regularly sells her food at the Bradford Farmers’ Market during late summer and early fall. Another vendor, Joanne Hudland, sells handcrafted wooden clocks.
Coleman said vendor space is available to others interested in selling crafts, homemade items or antiques at the shop.
On a final note, Coleman said an added feature at the store is free hot tea and coffee for customers.
“They can have a cup of tea or coffee while they shop around the store,” she said. “That was one of Gerri (Schillinger’s) ideas.”
Coleman said the store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call (585) 610-6592.
