The Shoppes at Johnny Appleseed

As we come into the month of June, The Shoppes At Johnny Appleseed are so delighted to be celebrating their upcoming anniversary of being in business for five years. “Looking back to that first day, it feels surreal but also satisfying to know how far we have come and all that has been accomplished in five short years,” said Erica Gilmore.

Owners Florence and Erica Gilmore, were inspired by the traditional co-op system where many creative ideas mesh into one living space, but at Johnny Appleseed the vendors and artists do not have to work. This makes being a vendor at JA easier and more accessible for the enterprising individual who is still working a traditional job but want a creative outlet for their product. 

According to Florence, the most satisfying part of running a business is the satisfaction of seeing an idea take shape. “When we opened, we had just four vendors. Over the course of the next year, it increased to 24, and by the end of our second year we had over fifty! We have seen so much improvement in the merchandise, and we have a better idea now of how we want to appeal to our growing demographic.” 

This year alone, The Shoppes have added more jewelers, along with fused and stained-glass artists, and recently have added a local furniture manufacturer from Syracuse to the expansive space. “To have someone come into the store and say, do you have kitchen tables, and to be able to reply yes, is very gratifying,” added Florence, considering furniture is what we were once known for.” 

Inside the Shoppes and open each Weekend is The Apple Kitchen, run by Patrick Gilmore. “Some of our most popular menu items in The Kitchen are The Monte Cristo Sandwich, or our in-house special soups, like the Turmeric Coconut Chicken over rice, or on hot weekends customers love our Gazpacho with homemade croutons,” said Gilmore.  The Apple Kitchen also offers desserts like Carrot Cake and Apple crisp, along with NYS craft beers and wines. 

“As we continue to grow and expand, our vision for the future involves watching the Shoppes continue to reshape and flourish with each new and different vendor.  We plan to utilize the Apple Kitchen for parties, banquets and catering opportunities,” said Patrick Gilmore. The Apple Kitchen is an indoor/outdoor eating space with spacious seating, and a fantastic country setting that can accommodate up to sixty people. 

The Shoppes are celebrating their fifth anniversary with an open house, June 11 and 12, with storewide sales, live music outside the Apple Kitchen and free gift raffles. 

Shoppers can enjoy vendors selling primitive, handmade, glass, jewelry, women’s clothing, candy, toys, cat and dog products, vintage housewares, artwork, antiques, furniture, garden items, a great selection of vinyl records and so much more!

 According to Vendor Pamela Sadlon-Clements, who owns and operates The Lucky Lab and has her products for sale in over seven CNY locations, “The Shoppes were the first venue to show my work and being part of the collective allows me the exposure I need at a great value.” Clements sells “Lab themed” attire, home and outdoor accessories for Lab lovers everywhere, as well as personalized made to order embroidery.  

Johnny Appleseed is open Wednesday through Sunday and is wheelchair accessible. You can view a list of current vendors at johnnyshopp.com.