GEORGE HASHEMI: If you’ve ever wished for cool Syracuse clothing, look no further. Scholars and Champs on Salina St. is a vintage shopping havan. The store has clothes everywhere. Literally everywhere. Unique pieces hang on the walls and the floors are full of clothing racks. You can find anything from vintage SU crewnecks to jerseys and graphic tees. The store even sells hats and small collectibles. Owner and SU alum, Bert Aufsesser, says he created the store out of necessity.
BERT AUFSESSER: I would come back for a game once or twice, and I was wanted to wear something cool that like no one else had that was good quality that was unique. And I really couldn’t find anything.
HASHEMI: After receiving a retail degree from SU, Aufsesser collected vintage Syracuse clothes on the side. A few items became a storage unit full of stuff. Finally, in April 2019 Aufsesser came back to open this store. But with hundreds of garments, it makes you wonder where it all comes from.
AUFSESSER: I mean I always tell people, you know if I tell you where I get it from then I’d have to kill you.
HASHEMI: Luckily, he decided to share his secrets and I’m still alive. He usually finds pieces at garage sales and thrift stores. But, most of his items actually come from outside helpers.
AUFSESSER: My guys in buffalo get me tons of stuff. I have a guy in Rochester. A guy in Cortland. A guy in Rome. And then I have a bunch of local kids here who thrift and find me stuff.
HASHEMI: Whether you’re an SU student, local, or me. Scholars and Champs has what you’re looking for. One day, Aufsesser hopes to create his own clothing brand or make official SU merch. But for now, he’s happy serving the Syracuse community. Syracuse, New York. George Hashemi, NCC News.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — If you’ve ever wished for cool Syracuse clothing, look no further. Scholars and Champs on Salina St. is a vintage shopping haven.
The store has clothes everywhere. Unique pieces hang on the walls and the floors are full of clothing racks. You can find anything from vintage Syracuse University crewnecks to jerseys and graphic tees. The store even sells hats and small collectibles. Owner and SU alum, Bert Aufsesser, says he created the store out of necessity.
“I would come back for a game once or twice, and I was wanted to wear something cool that like no one else had that was good quality that was unique. And I really couldn’t find anything,” said Aufsesser.
After receiving a retail degree from SU, Aufsesser collected vintage Syracuse clothes on the side. A few items became a storage unit full of stuff. Finally, in April 2019 Aufsesser came back to open this store. But with hundreds of garments, it makes you wonder where it all comes from.
“I mean I always tell people, you know if I tell you where I get it from then I’d have to kill you,” said Aufsesser.
Luckily, he decided to share his secrets and I’m still alive. He usually finds pieces at garage sales and thrift stores. But, most of his items actually come from outside helpers.
“My guys in Buffalo get me tons of stuff,” said Aufsesser. “I have a guy in Rochester. A guy in Cortland. A guy in Rome. And then I have a bunch of local kids here who thrift and find me stuff.”
One day, Aufsesser hopes to create his own clothing brand or make official SU merch. But for now, he’s happy serving the Syracuse community.
Scholars and Champs is located on 310 S Salina St. The store is open every day from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is closed on Tuesdays.
