Senator Sean Ryan Honors Second Chic As February ‘Small Business Of The Month’

BUFFALO – Today, February 24, 2025, New York State Senator Sean Ryan announced that Second Chic has been selected as the 61st Senate District Small Business of the Month for February. Senator Ryan visited Second Chic’s Elmwood Avenue location to present owner Annie Adams with a New York State Senate Empire Award in recognition of the honor.

Second Chic is a locally owned and operated boutique-style consignment store with locations in the Elmwood Village and the Village of Williamsville. For 15 years, they have promoted sustainable fashion in Western New York by selling vintage and pre-owned clothing of all types, ranging from work wear, to casual clothing, to outfits for formal occasions.

In 2024, due to the large amount of donations Second Chic’s two locations were receiving, Adams opened Second Chic Outlet at Elmwood Avenue and Hertel Avenue. Today, the majority of the items sold in the outlet are from people who bring them in to that location (with no appointment necessary). The new location also introduced the business to a new community, with prices ranging from $5 to $25 and monthly 50% off sales for clothing of a certain color. 

Second Chic donates clothing that does not sell at the outlet to Clara’s Closet, a non-profit organization that provides free clothing and other supplies to refugees and other people in need in Buffalo.

Senator Ryan has been highlighting businesses that deserve special recognition for their contributions to the Western New York community since early 2023. To nominate a business for the a Small Business of the Month award, individuals should fill out the nomination form here or at ryan.nysenate.gov.

Businesses that will receive special consideration during the selection process include:

• Companies that have created a culture of philanthropy and/or demonstrated exceptional leadership in the community
• Leaders in their industry and/or innovators in their field
• Promoters of economic growth in Western New York
• Family-owned businesses that have successfully passed from one generation to another
• Companies that conduct virtuous ethical practices and/or utilize green practices

To be eligible for the award, a business must be located in the 61st Senate District, which includes parts of the City of Buffalo, as well as the entireties of the City of Tonawanda, the Towns of Amherst, Grand Island, and Tonawanda, and the Villages of Kenmore and Williamsville. To confirm whether a business is located in the 61st District, individuals can visit www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator and enter its address.