Invasion of Privacy: Marcia Podhorecki
Photo of Not Dot shop owner Marcia Podhorecki courtesy of Knight’s Life Editor Regan Russell
The Not Dot shop on Main Street is a popular destination for students, but did you know that the name stands for “No One Thing Does One Thing”? I sat down with the owner of this one-of-a-kind store, Marcia Podhorecki, who describes the original idea behind the store being “to create a store that sold things that were something else before,” hence the acronym in their name.
Now, this creative consignment shop has 16 women who rent a space out in the shop. This allows each individual to create their prices, and their displays, and decide which of their products they want to sell. Podhorecki only takes a small percentage of the sales, just enough to cover outside costs like bags for customers. This allows all of the ladies who are renting out spaces to make profits off of their products and keep the prices low.
With 16 different sellers under one roof, there is no limit to what you can find in the shop. From “all sorts of eco-friendly things like bamboo toothbrushes and that kind of stuff, or a pair of earrings for like $3.”
When asked what her favorite thing about the shop was, Podhorecki had a perfect response saying “I think my favorite [thing] is the fact that it’s a treasure hunt. And, you know, it’s not like you’re going to a big box store. Usually what you find in here is one of a kind.”
One quick lap around the shop will show that Podhorecki is right. With so many different artists and creators in one store, the options are endless. Many vendors are even selling things made specifically for Geneseo students; Geneseo merchandise and Greek letters can be found on necklaces and wall decor pieces, for example.
The 16 vendors in the shop all happen to be women, and each one is different from the next. “The age ranges,” said Podhorecki, “our youngest is 23 and I think our oldest woman is in her 70s. But everybody enjoys it.” These ladies are the ones you will see in the shop, organizing, running the cash register, and being incredibly helpful with smiling faces.
When talking about the shop with other Geneseo students, the welcoming environment was a common theme. Every single lady who works there greets customers with a smile and will be more than happy to help you in finding whatever you need.
When asked what she wants students to know about her shop, she said with a smile on her face, “visit us early, and visit us often.” Many students go through their entire academic year never visiting the shop and then discover it their senior year. Do not miss out on such a great place for four years!
The Not Dot Shop is especially great when it comes to the holiday season. Whatever holidays you celebrate, the shop may have the perfect present for you. Crocheted stuffed animals, beads, furniture, handmade jewelry, and so much more are filling the shelves waiting for you to find them!
Stop by the Not Dot Shop anytime when they are open. Their hours are posted on their Facebook page, and updates are posted if anything changes. Even if you are not looking to buy anything, it is the perfect place to talk to some lovely locals and enjoy a beautiful atmosphere.