Oxford Pennant's business is retro-style pennants, banners, and patches, and while the bulk of their bottom line comes from partnering with big corporate giants like Adidas, J. Crew, and Google, they also run a little retail shop in the Theater District where the house designs run from meme-worthy slogans (they're the folks behind the enormous "KEEP BUFFALO A SECRET" mural further up Main Street) to their own branded swag. But if you're here to shop for souvenirs, you'll likely be most interested in their selection of Buffalo-themed gifts: how about an '80s-tastic "Talkin' Proud" camp flag, or a chenille "B" patch for your cardigan? And if you're an individualist, they'll be happy to work with you on a custom design.
Tue-Fri noon-8PM, Sat noon-6PM
DC Theatricks is a full-service costume company specializing in custom-made men's period suits and uniforms for sale or rent. Not surprisingly, DC Theatricks does an especially brisk business around Halloween selling literally hundreds of custom-made costumes for adults and children, as well as wigs, makeup, accessories, costume kits, party supplies, decor, and other such goods. DC Theatricks' manufacturing department also takes online orders for shipment anywhere, and wholesale pricing is available to qualified purchasers.
Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM, Thu till 6PM, Sat 10AM-2PM
If you're in the market for a motorized bike on which to tool around the streets of Buffalo, this little shop in the Ansonia Center is the only game in town. At City Cycle you'll find some pretty snazzy models, all designed and built by owner Dan Thomas himself with a stylish retro aesthetic "reminiscent of the early days of Indian motorcycles and Western Flyer bikes" (to borrow the words of Buffalo Rising's October 2018 write-up of the shop). If none of the floor models strike your fancy, they'll even custom-design a model for you. Just don't show up expecting the utmost in friendly customer service.
Open Saturdays; hours vary, best to call ahead to ensure they're open
Founded in 1851 and now the oldest (and once one of the largest) leather goods stores in the United States, you'll find M. Steffan's Sons at the north end of the Theater District. The huge variety of leatherworking supplies available here — buckles, rings, rivets and snaps, leather shoelaces, needles, shears and thread, etc. — belies the modest size of the store. Owner Linda Steffan really goes out of her way to educate local crafters about the art of shoemaking and leathercraft, going so far as to offer workshops every Monday morning where enthusiasts can learn from experts in the field.
Mon Tue Thu Fri 9:30AM-4:30PM, Wed 9:30AM-1PM, Sat 9AM-noon