The best way I can describe Vidler’s 5 & 10 Variety Store to a Canadian who’s never been there before is that it’s the Honest Ed’s of Western New York -- the type of store you can get lost in for hours on end.
(Fun fact: Vidler’s does have a “Lost spouse area” by the cashier area on the second floor.)
Seriously, Vidler’s is how I picture an “I Spy” book. Located on 676-694 Main Street in East Aurora, N.Y., since 1930 (back then, it was called the “Fair Store”), Vidler’s brags that it’s “virtually 12 shops under one roof,” selling candy (include rock candy and Crystal Beach suckers), kitchen supplies, board games, rock soap ($11.99 each), toys, candles, clothing, craft supplies, Christmas decorations, and so much more.
The store is two floors and made up of dozens of rooms, where the selection is endless -- and a little overwhelming. This is the place you can find cat shaped cookie cutters, “Home Alone” Christmas sweaters, dinosaur figurines, Zelda jigsaw puzzles, “Star Wars” Pez dispensers and shot glasses....
