Local Shop Brings Vintage Charm to Rochester

Unnecessary Extras

We’ve all got unnecessary extras scattered around. Old toys, vintage clothing and unused furniture often lie dormant, stacking up and collecting dust. You know what they say, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” and Lisa Fellers has made it her mission to be the one who turns trash into treasure for the right person.

A former teacher and grant writer, Fellers has always harbored a love for the nostalgic. When it came time to build something of her own, Fellers turned her lifelong love of hunting for vintage finds into a community-centered space where she could help everyone locate the nostalgic things that spark joy.

Unnecessary Extras started as a side hustle. Fellers began buying and selling items as a labor of love with no real business plan in mind. Her keen eye for good finds quickly took on a life of its own, and before long, she was ready to open her own store.

“I’ve always been drawn to pieces with history and personality. The store has grown step by step: adding vendors, expanding into collectibles and specialty items, publishing my own planners and books, developing in-house print services and continually responding to what our town needs. It’s been built thoughtfully, one decision at a time,” she says.

Located at 723 Main St. in Rochester, Unnecessary Extras is Fellers’ way of helping people smile. She has a little bit of everything, and vendors are constantly adding new items. Unnecessary Extras carries items such as glassware, small furniture, retro toys, dolls, books, jewelry, paper goods, unique home decor, 80s-era toys, art supplies, craft items, handmade goods, candles, gifts, print services and more.

Fellers does not allow duplicate vendors, ensuring that there is always fresh inventory and each booth retains its own unique identity. She encourages those in and around Rochester, and those beyond, to come in regularly and find something that speaks to them.

“Unnecessary Extras is built around relationships. We genuinely care about the people who walk through our doors. We strive to be the kind of place where everybody knows your name — where you’re greeted, remembered and valued. Customers aren’t just transactions; they’re neighbors, friends and part of the story of this store,” she says.

Alongside the constantly shifting inventory, Fellers appreciates being able to support local entrepreneurs and crafters. Her deep connection to the community also inspires her to fill the gaps for any needs that might be missing from Rochester. To help with that, she has built a print center to provide photos, cards and custom paper products.

For just that little bit of extra personality, visitors can also meet the shop’s three rescue cats who roam the store looking for mischief and a scratch behind the ears.

Fellers is also active in helping find ways to strengthen Rochester by collaborating with other businesses and serving on local boards and committees that organize events for downtown Rochester.

“Together, the mix of personal connection, community investment and a constantly evolving selection creates an experience that feels welcoming and rooted — not corporate or impersonal. The shop helps keep downtown active and vibrant, while offering a place where people connect, share stories and feel like they belong,” Fellers says.

If you’re looking for that rare find or an oddity that speaks to your personality, make sure to stop in and see what kind of mischief you can find.

To learn more about Unnecessary Extras, visit unnecessaryextras.com.