From dishwasher at 15 to owner at 21, Ryan Novak turned a hometown chocolate shop into a nationally recognized brand. Read our interview with the Chocolate Pizza Co. owner and learn how he grew a sweet idea into a Central New York success story. 🍫🍕 retailcouncilnys.com/chocolate-pizz…

Thank you to City & State NY for recognizing the Retail Council of New York State as one of the top trade associations in New York. We’re proud to serve and advocate for retailers across the Empire State. #NewYork #Retail cityandstateny.com/power-lists/20…

Step into Soave Faire and discover a little bit of everything. For over 40 years, this local gem has blended old-time “five and dime” charm with modern-day products. Visit them on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Looking for the perfect costume? Visit a Capital Region favorite, The Costumer. From classic costumes and wigs to makeup, hats, and accessories for kids, adults, and even pets, they’ve got everything you need to bring your look to life. #Halloween2025 #costume #schenectady

Did you know? Just last year we prosecuted over 6,000 retail theft cases as part of our continuous efforts to protect our local businesses!

We spoke with Sam of Southside Guitars about how he and his brother, Ben, opened their Brooklyn shop 20 years ago. Read the full interview to learn how passion, adaptability and great people have shaped their success. retailcouncilnys.com/southside-guit… #BrooklynNY #vintage #guitar

Shop New York this holiday season. ✨ #NewYork #shoplocal #happyholidays Art by Jenny C Design.

It's that time of year again!🌟 Submit a photo of your holiday window display and spread some holiday cheer. #NewYork #NYC #UpState #CapitalRegionNY #HudsonValley #WesternNY #CentralNY #holidayseason

We visited Rowan’s Albany location in Stuyvesant Plaza. Shop their beautiful selection of hypoallergenic and nickel-free earrings. Their piercings are performed only by licensed nurses. #CapitalRegionNY #AlbanyNY #membervisit

A Capital Region favorite: The Holiday Market at The Shaker Heritage Society, Shaker Heritage Society. They feature products from over 90 local artists and crafters. The market is open Tuesday through Sunday until December 14. #HolidaySeason #capitalregionny #handmade

NEW: Queens DA Katz and Governor Kathy Hochul announce a major retail theft arrest — 13 people charged for allegedly taking two million dollars worth of merchandise at The Home Depot stores in multiple states. Some of the recovered items seen here. #NBC4NY

I’m in Queens with Queens DA Katz to share an update on a major retail theft bust. Our work to tackle crime is making a real difference for small businesses across the state. Join me live: governor.ny.gov

New York State just busted a retail theft ring operating across nine states — the largest of its kind in Queens history. The 780-count indictment leverages laws we strengthened last year to crack down on retail theft. If you try to rip off our businesses, we're coming after

2025 Holiday Window Display Contest! Here's a small preview of the festive window displays across New York. Vote for your favorite at the link below. bit.ly/4sdhOcq #retail #holidayseason #windowdisplay #Contest #newyork

Who better to interview in December than a toy store owner?🎁Thank you to Kathy from The Laughing Place for reminding us why play is essential at every age, and how anything (even a cardboard box) can be a toy in the hands of a child. retailcouncilnys.com/laughing-place/ #Owego #toystore

✨Congratulations to the winners of our Annual Holiday Window Display Contest! ✨ 1st place: Frazzleberries Country Store, Warwick 2nd place: Lifestyles of Saratoga, Saratoga Springs 3rd place: Laurabelle's, Corning Check out the hard work and creativity of these retailers!

Such a great time visiting the Lowe's in Brooklyn today! Especially enjoyed learning about the Lowe's Foundation investments in the next generation of skilled trades technicians. Thank you Sean L. Conner for organizing an amazing tour!

During the 2026 State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged the progress that has been made in addressing habitual retail theft throughout New York: "We formed specialized units to crack down on retail theft ... four years later, crime is hitting record lows."

After 45 years in retail, Clint Hegeman is closing an incredible chapter. From opening his first shop on Lark Street to building the Silver Parrot into a beloved Albany staple, he’s moving on to a well-deserved retirement. Congratulations, Clint! bizjournals.com/albany/news/20…

Sew Creative has been serving the Fairport area since 1975. We spoke with Lisa about how they helped make 15,000 masks during COVID, how sewing helps with stress relief and about Rochester's rich fabric arts history.