Port of Call – Save Our Planet, Buy Vintage

Welcome to the Village of Waterford, NY, the home of the Tugboat Roundup Festival, Momentive, the Erie Canal System, and its one-of-a-kind vintage shop, Port of Call Consignments.

Originally from Lansingburgh, NY and settled in Waterford, Rich Bronk, owner of Port of Call Consignments, lives, and breaths in his own vintage world. Bronk got the vintage bug early in life through his father, who would take him to antique car show and swap meets. In addition to his love of vintage items and being an avid boater, Bronk was previously involved in the automobile business for over 20 years. After being in the business for so long, Bronk wanted a career change and wanted to own his own business.

Rich Bronk, Port of Call Consignments, Owner. Photo by Amy Modesti.

In comes Bronk’s store, Port of Call Consignments. Open seven days a week and located right at the corner of Routes 4 and 32 in the heart of Waterford, their location (Broad & Third Street) is in a prime location. Outside its store front, Bronk puts out his own array of products that could potentially capture his buyer’s attention; a set of three wooden Flexible Flyer sled, a lobster trap, a rustic wine rack, and when he does have them in stock, vintage bicycles.

Port of Call Consignments buys and sells quality collectibles from antiques, vintage items, nautical décor, country décor, bicycles-new and old, beer signs, vinyl records, music CD’s, vintage toys, fishing items, Tonka trucks, and other “Mancave stuff”. The least popular items that sell at the store were classic tools, and the most popular items include beer signs, vinyl records, nautical décor, and vintage toys. Port of Call Consignments also attracts out of state boaters who sail through the Hudson River. Some of these boaters enter the store to purchase fishing gear as lures and tackleboxes. All items that Bronk picks out to sell at his shop is hand-picked and based on what he likes and sells best.

As with all businesses, COVID-19 has also affected Port of Call Consignments. For the first few months, it was difficult for Bronk to make sales and get outside his store to pick up items for his shop. The only thing that was helping keep them afloat was the eBay sales and doing porch pickups. Although these past few months have been decent for him, it is still tough for business.

Besides in-person sales, Bronk uses social media to help get the word out about his products. Using Facebook, eBay, Craigslist, word of mouth, and yard sale sites are just a few that are used to make sales. He also sold items to Hollywood to be used for TV shows and movies. Although there is no website for the store yet, Bronk is still selling his stuff. He is passionate about his business and his love of all things vintage.

Port of Call Consignments is open daily, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and the wearing of facial masks and social distancing is required to enter the store. Like Port of Call Consignments on Facebook to stay updated on their latest sales and contact Rich Bronk if you have any items to sell and place on consignment.