Hippies, Witches & Gypsies moving in the Collar City
TROY, N.Y. » After four years on lower River Street, downtown shop Hippies, Witches & Gypsies is making the move to a larger Second Street space later this month.
The business - known for selling eclectic goods- originally opened in 2014 by owner Judy Squires- Gleason at 212 River St., where it will operate through Wednesday, March 14.
After that, the store will be closed for a week while moving to its new 33 Second St. home, across the street from the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, in the former Daisy Baker’s location above Bacchus Wood-Fired pizzeria.
A grand re- opening will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 24 at the new Second Street site.
This move, though only a few blocks away, is a major expansion for Hippies, Witches & Gypsies. The new shop space is more than double the size of the current one, allowing for more merchandise and displays.
Squires- Gleason said she decided to make this move because the business is outgrowing its current home, a situation she predicted for the shop. “I kind of had a vision that it would need a larger space,” she said.
The additional room will allow Squires- Gleason to bring in new products and product lines that customers have requested, but she simply didn’t have the physical space to offer them on River Street. Some of these new items Squires- Gleason is keeping a surprise until the shop’s Second Street debut.
With the newfound space, Squires- Gleason also plans to grow the areas of the shop that are working well like incense, essential oils, crystals and stones. “Things that are kind of more on a spiritual level - that’s definitely
what’s been taking off,” she said.
“It’s way past a shop,” Squires- Gleason continued. “I never had the foresight, I guess, that it would become what it is - and the types of people that have come in, they’re real grounded folks that come in and are on a spiritual path in what they need.”
Customers even travel to Troy from outside the Capital Region specifically to shop at Hippies, Witches & Gypsies.
No matter the kind of shopper or what they’re seeking, Squires- Gleason aims to make everyone feel comfortable and invited. “All walks of life are welcome here, there’s no judgement,” she said.
Squires- Gleason said her personal goal in this new chapter is to get back to being creative with her decorating and design at Hippies, Witches & Gypsies, something that’s been difficult as the current shop was getting so full. Excited for future opportunities, she said, “Just the sheer space and the amount of space will allow me to open up larger displays, and my artistic side to come through, which I know in turn will help folks see the potential of what’s available.”
Business-wise, SquiresGleason simply wants “to continue offering what we’ve been offering and for folks to continue to come in and know they’re in a safe, non-judgemental space, because that is huge,” she said.
“That’s my goal, to con- tinue on that path. Even though the space is different, it looks different. It may have a different feel or vibe initially to some people - what’s inside will stay the same. Everybody’s welcome.”
Squires- Gleason said she will miss River Street, including her shop window, the festivities and her neighbors. “But there’s a lot that has shifted on lower River Street, and I just feel it’s time, but I’ve made some really great friends that I’ll come back and visit,” she said, noting that she wishes them success in business. “We’re all friends down here.”
On the other hand, “I’m excited to move to a different neighborhood, to a different vibe. Second Street is such a beautiful street,” she said.
In researching the history of the building, Squires- Gleason learned that it once served as a safe haven for women and children, which resonates with her.
In the coming months, tarot readings and spirit readings will once again be available by appointment at the new Hippies, Witches & Gypsies location.
For more information, including updates on the move and correct store hours, visit the Hippies, Witches & Gypsies Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hippieswitchesgypsies.
Basic shop details can also be found online at www.hippieswitchesgypsies.com.
The business can be contacted directly at (518) 3261048.