Are you anxiously anticipating the spring warm up so you and your family can hop on your bikes for a ride through town or one of our many parks in the Buffalo area? Would you be interested in checking out unique bike-related artisan crafted items? If your answer to either of these questions is yes, then you’ll want to check out a brand new store that’s opening in East Aurora THIS SATURDAY, April 14th!
Kickstand Crafts’ business partners Renee Tarrant and Ted Cincotti started the business online two years ago with KickstandCrafts.com. Their “light bulb moment” came about during a 7-day bike trek from Buffalo to Albany along the Erie Canal. During that trip, conversations among the cyclists involved topics of bike life. That’s when the idea to bring bike-themed and handmade goods to market took shape. They developed partnerships with various handcraft artisans and a few grassroots manufacturers to build their base of product offerings.
Kickstand Crafts is the area’s first bicycle lifestyle boutique. It specializes in North American-made products including handmade goods from upcycled or recycled bicycle parts. Their shop goes beyond just the goods on the shelves. “We showcase the story of each item with an artist bio segment.” When you purchase an item from Kickstand Crafts, you not only add something unique to your home or lifestyle, you also can learn the story behind the artist too. “Whether choosing pottery, jewelry, home goods, clothing or accessories, each piece is uniquely bicycle-themed. Often, no two pieces are alike!”
Soon after the website launched, they took the business on the road – heading out to bicycle events to show and sell Kickstand Crafts’ goods throughout NY and Ohio. “The reaction to our tent and table shop was so very positive which emphasized the fact that people like to see and touch products when making their buying decisions.” That’s why their boutique opening this weekend is so exciting! Kickstand Crafts offers a variety of items that you can’t find anywhere else. Whether you want to express your passion for biking, or you just love unique artisan pieces, you’ll find great bike-themed gifts there. Plus, if you have kids or if you have a four-legged friend you adore, Kickstand Crafts is a family-friendly and pet-friendly business. From character-inspired helmet covers to dog collars made with recycled bicycle inner tubes, the boutique really does have something for everyone.
When you open a business, many people will tell you it’s all about location, location, location. For Kickstand Crafts, they know that they’ve found a home that fits their brand. “East Aurora is home to the Roycroft community of craft workers and artists. As Western New York’s cycling community and bicycle advocacy continues to grow, the beauty of the roads and mountain bike trails in the area is a great reason for cyclists to get out and explore.”
These business owners also understand the need to support the cycling organizations in the WNY community, as well. Kickstand Crafts donates a portion of designated items back to groups like Bike MS and GoBike Buffalo. Those organizations, along with the WNY Mountain Bike Association, will be taking part in Kickstand Crafts’ Grand Opening this Saturday. They will have tents set up to provide information about their organizations. For the Grand Opening celebration special sale items will be available, water bottles will be given away with every purchase (while supplies last), AND they are giving away to one lucky person this very cool, retro Huffy bike!
Here’s what you need to know: Kickstand Crafts’ Grand Opening is this Saturday, April 14th from noon until 5:00pm. Their boutique is a rear-facing business. If you are on Main Street, walk down the alley next to the Chamber of Commerce and you will find Kickstand Crafts on the right at the end of the alley. Or driving from Main Street, turn on to Church Street, then take your first left into the parking lot. Kickstand Crafts is the second building on the left. To whet your appetite for all things bicycle-themed, visit their website KickstandCrafts.com.
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