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SU Alum Makes Vintage Clothing Sustainable & Stylish SU Alum Makes Vintage Clothing Sustainable and Stylish

By Adriana Loh

Adriana Loh: Thrifting had started off as a hobby for Bert Aufsesser.

Bert Aufsesser: I really couldn’t find anything that I liked. So I started to collect old vintage stuff, started having my mom sew stuff, and next thing you know I have a whole storage facility just filled with orange Syracuse gear.

Loh: He began collecting vintage items during his time as a student at Syracuse University since 2009.

Aufsesser: When I first moved here I was pretty much going out every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday trying to find stuff. Now I have a little more refined, where people come to me and say ‘hey I heard you buy stuff.’ So I kind of have a network of people who find stuff for me.

Loh: From rags to riches, the New York City entrepreneur has turned thrift shopping into a full time business.

Aufsesser: People see it as good for the environment, they see it as something unique that no one else has, and the value of it is always going to keep going up because you can’t make more of it.

Loh: And for many Syracuse University fans, they can take a walk down memory lane at ‘Scholars and Champs’.

Aufsesser: I think I have done a really good job ya know. I have stuff that is very specific that students like more and then I have stuff that says upstate or Central New York that appeals more towards locals.

Loh: Customers can find everything from clothing, art, and vintage items.

Zach Barrington: The jerseys, the hats, the windbreakers. They all were kind of like different. They just weren’t something you see everyday.

Loh: Aufsesser has operated the business mostly on his own, and has gained much support from the community through his social media presence.

Aufsesser: Without Instagram, I don’t think I would be half the person I am today ya know. It’s kind of like a walk down memory lane for some people and a history lesson for others. But it’s very very popular and everyday that goes by I feel like more people get into it and they want the old logos and unique styles so it just keeps gaining popularity.

Loh: Reporting for NCC news, I’m Adriana Loh.

SYRACUSE, N.Y (NCC News)– Scholars and Champs has brought sustainability and style to downtown Syracuse. With vintage items up for sale, owner Bert Aufsesser brings the old in with the new by upcycling most of the clothing to keep up with current fashion trends.

“I visit areas like California and New York City where I see their trends in colors, patterns and style,” Aufsesser said. “I work alongside my mom and she sends over fabrics and ideas to transform the clothing into a more stylish piece.”

Most of his items have come from outside helpers in areas of Rochester and Buffalo, bringing the store to life with orange Syracuse gear covering the room from the ceiling to the ground with his unique pieces.

“I try to keep up with the competition by having items and products no one else can have or as much as I have,” Aufsesser said.

After graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in retail management, Aufsesser collected vintage items in 2019 and carried on his hobby until today.

“I really couldn’t find anything that I liked. So I started to collect old vintage stuff, started having my mom sew stuff, and next thing you know I have a whole storage facility just filled with orange Syracuse gear.”

With hundreds of collectible items, he transformed his hobby into a full-time business by sharing his passion for vintage clothing but recycling it all back into the heart of Syracuse.

“I wanted to be in a location that wasn’t too close to the university where I only catered to students but not too far either,” Aufsesser said. “As downtown was growing I knew it was the perfect place and now that my lease is almost up I am considering looking at other places as well.”

The shop gives an opportunity for current and old fans to look through memories, show off vintage gear, and share their love for the city of Syracuse.

“I see people wearing my stuff all the time,” Aufsesser said. “It’s a good feeling seeing people share my clothing on social media or come up to me outside and show me what they got from the shop.”

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