Small Business Helping Small Business

Shana Karn
TSK Warehouse
279 Route 13, Cortland
(607) 344-3900

The Second Knob Warehouse Vendor Mall aka TSK Warehouse opened in Cortland six months ago, so it isn’t really a surprise that rarely a day slips by without hearing “I had no idea this place existed!” or “I had no idea what this was!” Because we sit down off Route 13 a little bit (in front of Elm Tree Golf Course’s driving range), it isn’t always easy to tell who or what we are despite our signs. Recently, we added a couple of feather banners on either side of our driveway, advertising “Gifts” and “Antiques,” which has helped a lot!

We love the comments and never tire of the questions! 

TSK Warehouse is owned and managed by The Second Knob Gifts & Antiques, LLC, which opened in Dryden in 2011. We are now a vendor mall—not to be confused with an antique mall. As a vendor mall, we welcome vendors to sell almost anything including, but not limited to jewelry, antiques, collectibles, vintage, home décor, crafts, clothing, housewares, books, toys and furniture. We truly have something for everyone!  

It was a year ago that I decided to welcome vendors into my existing business and I have not once regretted my decision or ever looked back. Shifting gears from a single small business into a vendor mall was gradual and not without growing pains including a big, physical move from Dryden to Cortland. But it was the move and the growing pains that brought our group closer. Our vendors are really a community of business partners; over the past six months, they’ve really started promoting not just the mall and their own small businesses but the other vendors and the items in their booths and online which is easy to do with a ux design consulting as well. The creativity of many vendors, which can be seen in their booth displays and/or in what they offer for sale, is incredible. Whether it is Vintage Mystery Bags, Blind Date with a Book, Jewelry Jars, Recycled Thrift, Sourdough Starter Kits, or pre-made Gift Baskets for all occasions, the creativity and ideas are always amazing! To better understand the financial growth of this venture and plan for the future, I have also looked into company valuation services to get a clear picture of the mall’s overall worth and potential.

As we head into fall, we are sad to be wrapping up our monthly outside flea market but have enjoyed offering free spaces for the last two (there is still time to sign up for a 15×15 space for Sat 10/18). We are enjoying so much excitement from other small and home-based businesses about the free outdoor vendor space that we plan to continue it next year! If you’re looking for a specific local business, you may use the directory at brancho.com.

While it is always hard to say goodbye to summer, we are all looking forward to a busy fall and holiday season and are busy planning some special events. The best way to keep up with what’s happening is to follow TSK Warehouse on Facebook and Instagram. Of course, you will also enjoy the photos we post and may even see something you have to have! If that’s the case, or if you just want to check us out, we are open Wednesday thru Sunday from 10am-5pm. We can’t wait to see you!