What Vidler's 5 & 10 is known for
Vidler's is a family variety store on East Aurora's Main Street, selling small household goods and gifts. Robert S. Vidler opened the business in 1930, and it later expanded across connected buildings. Its departments include toys and sweets, giving the shop a broader purpose than a single-category specialist.
Robert S. Vidler opened his East Aurora variety store in 1930, shortly after the Wall Street crash. The initial shop occupied part of a building and contained just two aisles of merchandise. Its subsequent growth involved other members of the family and expansion beyond that first small space.
Vidler's now describes a store extending through four buildings and over two levels on Main Street. The range includes toys and sweets as well as gifts and practical household merchandise. This remains a variety-store format, so neighbouring departments can serve very different shopping purposes within the same visit.
For a visitor, the useful distinction is between coming for a particular item and allowing time for browsing. A toy purchase can lead into a separate search for a small present or something for the home. The historic store and its connected buildings also form part of the reason to visit East Aurora itself. Its family history supplies context for that visit without implying that every item on sale is locally made.
In the press
Best for — Variety-store gifts and toys in East Aurora
East Aurora, New York, USA
Where next
- North Conway 5 & 10 — United States
- Shane Confectionery — Philadelphia
- Shelburne Country Store — United States
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