Stray Vintage

One of the finest, friendliest and vinyliest stores in New York City. A reason in and of itself to come out to Sunnyside — then leave, please. But spend some money here. Then, seriously, leave. But Dan and Tara are gems of the nabe. They organized that street party last summer (2015) and deservedly have a sandwich named after them at the coffee place up the hill.

Great selection of vintage items and gifts, but I really don’t understand why the workers here are so unfriendly. I’ve gone in a handful of times over the last couple of years and was greeted ONE TIME. Also, one guy was quite rude to me when I asked for help on t-​shirt sizes.

Essential to Sunnyside.
You can get old records for a couple bucks (Michael Jackson, Beatles, Heart, The Who) or new records (James Brown, Ramones, reggae, funk). Or high quality vintage furniture and knick knacks.
One of my favorite stores in all of New York City.

This is a review of just the vinyl section of the store. Stray is a small shop with a modest but well-​chosen selection of records at fair prices. The staff (one guy when I was there) is pleasant but not especially friendly.
One star off for using price stickers that can’t be removed safely on the covers of the records (only on the $ 3 to $ 4 records; the more expensive records are in plastic sleeves). I found some nice records, but the price stickers couldn’t be removed without damaging the covers.
Another star off for not being open during their posted hours (this has happened to me twice). This is mentioned in another review, so it appears to be an ongoing problem. Those who live nearby can easily come back later, but those who are coming from outside the area might be out of luck.
I probably won’t stop in again unless I’m in the neighborhood because of the issue with the price stickers. And I’ll call ahead to confirm they are open.

Was hunting for some record stores today to pick up some vinyls but the ones I kept going to were all closed for some reason… came back home and saw Stray was only 1 block away. so I took a chance. And I’m glad I did, it’s a great vintage spot with good picks on records as well. I also got a suggest to try Sunnyside Thrift Shop which wasn’t as good of picks… but still found a few things. Will definitely keep Stray on my top choices to go back for more :)

Best little spot to get fair priced records in Queens. The employees were nice enough and the shop is really cute and filled with neat things.
My only suggestion is look at records carefully, some of them are live versions which aren’t the best quality.

Not only is this Antique/​Gift shop designed well and full of GREAT finds, the owners are also very VERY sweet, helpful, and do not hike up the prices exorbitantly. Can’t wait to need something else and find my way back over there!

This is a gem in Sunnyside. I have bought several pieces of furniture here and love them. My husband and I enjoy visiting every weekend.

There are not too many things vintage /​used that interests me. Hence if I do go back to a vintage store it usually means its okay.
So this store happens to have a decent selection of vinyl records. A lot of them are in fairly decent condition and price and sometimes you do find good records for a dollar. It does take some time to dig through and may have to clean your hands afterwards, but its worth it when you find a record you like.
I usually don’t pay much attention to other things if they don’t interest me. But they do have prints, small knick-​knacks and sometimes furniture among other things.

Really cute stuff in this store! A great assortment of larger vintage pieces for the home, as well as quirky little knick knacks and cards from local artists. The only thing that bothered me is that I walked in on a weekday, and the guy behind the counter didn’t say hi. I’m a totally self-​sufficient shopper, but it felt kind of strange not to be greeted in such a small space…

I love this neighborhood vintage shop. I always find something different and interesting. I have purchased few items from them. The owners are sweet couple that are so helpful & kind. I love shopping at Stray Vintage!

Heaven on Queens County earth. Charming kitsch/​knickknacks adorn the tables and walls but what made my jaw drop was the wonderfully curated vinyl selection. For an amazing selection of vinyl records at incredibly reasonable prices; it just doesn’t get any better in Western Queens than Stray. I ended up leaving with Brian Eno’s «Music For Films» for $ 13, but among it I spotted Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, The Kinks, Garfunkel, and tons of other LPs that don’t suck, mostly under $ 20 but with rarer finds at higher prices.
My friend and I ended up talking to Dan (owner) for nearly an hour. We covered everything, from music to upstate-​living to the bad rep that Queens is plagued with. Above being nice, he was genuine and passionate, he told us that he opened up the shop not to change the face of Sunnyside, but to be there for the residents that could use a decent vintage spot; and they got a whole lot more than that. Also, they stock work from local artists. Win, win, win, win, and win.
Stray is a precedent that all independent businesses need to follow. Dan and Tara are actively involved in the community in which they reside, and are clearly proud Sunnysiders who know how to curate an amazing selection of antiques. Come or you’re stupid (sorry for the truth)

A good thing for a good neighborhood. Owners are friendly and some good things are to be found here. Great for unique gifts.

Such a gem! The owners area amazing, and the items here are incredibly unique and charming.

Excellent vinyl selection. Great one of a kind vintage items. Small selection but a truly local establishment.

Neighborhood treasure.

Wonderfully curated vintage shop — Tara and Dan definitely put a lot of heart and soul into this amazing little shop…
I’ve made a few purchases (having only recently discovered Stray) and fully intend to revisit again and again. Mostly mid-​century but with a splash of Victorian, Rustic and everything in-​between; this store is a gem! Located on Skillman Avenue, it’s easy to miss so look it up PRIOR to heading out… it will most certainly be worth it!
I’m attaching photos of the wonderful mid-​century colored glass vessels I purchased from them at only $ 15 each! They also have an excellent selection of original artwork, unique items handmade by local artists, carefully selected lamps, mirrors, frames, furniture and vintage records!
A must-​see shop! 5 stars!

A wonderfully eclectic mix of vintage and unique trinkets made (many made by local artists) makes this place a treasure each time I walk in. No matter what, I always see something new and unique which makes me smile. Word to the wise: if you like something, buy it, because things come and go very quickly here!

Cool stuff, good taste on a cool street in Sunnyside. Visit this place a lot… Window shopping mostly.
Think the small trinkets are a bit overpriced but you do find good deals. And they seem to have high turnover even for vintage… so act quick if you like something and the price is right. Kind of wish I got the table & chairs the other day.

LOVE Stray Vintage!
An unexpected gem in Sunnyside Queens… totally a reason to trek out to the neighborhood, enjoy lunch and wander in … too many treasures to mention in this impeccably curated shop! Cant wait to get back there soon …

I HAVE A MOVIE IDEA I WANT TO PITCH YOU:
Tom Hardy (as he appeared in the film Bronson) and Ryan Gosling have to take down a brazilian drug dealer (played by Boardwalk Empire’s Michael Shannon) who has also kidnapped the two heroes’ girlfriends (conjoined twins!) and made them dress in swedish maid costumes (just one XXL costume with an additional leg hole cut in it) and clean his classy yet affordable vintage furniture that he bought… wait for it… at STRAY.
Anydays, Happy this store is around. It’s a great addition to skillman and there is always something neat to buy.

Love Stray! I’ve been in here serveral times and it always has cute, UNIQUE pieces that are very reasonably priced. It’s a great place to buy gifts because many are one-​of-​a-​kind.
Recent purchases:
–my FAVORITE glass bead necklace for $ 18. I used to get compliments on it all the time until I lost it :(
— small black, leather purse. feels very 1920’s to me but is great condition. real leather and great for going out. $ 22
— baby clothes for a gift
— a really cool vintage standing wind clock for a gift — she loves it!
–other miscellaneous items such as vintage-​looking postcards that I hang up, and scented oils to burn
The owners (pretty sure they are husband and wife) are always very laid-​back and friendly.