A long underutilized shopfront on Bryant Street is landing a fun new business. Called Froggy, the store will specialize in vintage and retro goods, from candy to repurposed furniture. Owner Mario Campana told me that the shop is dedicated to those people who still relish possessions that they have lost along the way, and are open to reintroducing those items back into their lives. So many people have nostalgic memories when it comes to such things as dolls, clothing, toys and yes, even candy.
I asked Mario how he came to call the store Froggy and he told me that his family once had a 'froggy' that was passed down from child to child. No matter the family member, Froggy was a special toy that evoked happy memories (until Froggy bit the dust in a tragic spackling accident). "It's possible to buy back memories," Michael reminded me. "You should see people's eyes light up when see things that they used to have and love."
Mario and his life partner, Michael Prezioso, recently moved back to Buffalo after being gone for ten years. In February of this year Mario opened up his first store (Froggy 1) in Williamsville and is now working on his second storefront, which should be open soon. The business will be perfect for new homeowners and young couples getting their first starts in the city. Some of the furniture and accessories will be repurposed, while other items will be new and sporting retro images (such as tote bags).
Froggy's overlying theme is whimsical, much as the endearing name suggests. And while Froggy may be long gone, his (or her) memory lives on, inspiring a new generation of vintage and retro fans. As for me, I may be looking for my old Eeyore (from Winnie the Pooh) in the display window come the holidays.
Froggy
289 Bryant Street
Buffalo NY 14222
716-622-0858
Tues - Sat
Yes! Welcome, guys.