Aaron's Alley

Aaron's Alley is a locally owned shop at 662 Monroe Ave in Rochester, NY, rooted in the Monroe Avenue shopping district since 1988. Founded by Aaron Plunkett—who started with a vending cart and grew the operation into a brick-and-mortar destination—the store has been a fixture of the neighborhood for over three decades. After Plunkett's unexpected passing in 2013, his wife Jennifer Plunkett continued operating the business, maintaining its identity as a community-driven retail space. Rochester's arts community gathered in 2023 to honor the founder's legacy ten years after his death.

Aaron's Alley stocks a mix of counterculture clothing, accessories, and handmade goods:

• Tie-dye apparel and Grateful Dead merchandise
• Band wear and festival gear
• Gems, minerals, and crystals
• Hemp products
• Jewelry and art from local artisans
• Dream catchers and gift items
• Tickets to local shows and events

The store positions itself as a one-stop source for tie-dye needs and music-culture merchandise, carrying both mass-produced band apparel and one-of-a-kind pieces from Rochester-area makers.

Aaron's Alley has maintained a consistent identity as Monroe Avenue's counterculture retail hub for over 35 years. The shop is actively involved in neighborhood events, including the annual Shop Small on Monroe celebration each Small Business Saturday, where participating Monroe Avenue businesses between the Inner Loop and Culver Road offer sales and giveaways. The store also takes part in the Show on Monroe, a summer event showcasing the avenue's independent businesses. Jennifer Plunkett is a member of the Monroe Avenue Merchants Association.

The shop sits on Monroe Avenue between the Inner Loop and Culver Road, in one of Rochester's most walkable commercial corridors. Monroe Avenue is lined with independent restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, giving the stretch a distinct neighborhood-retail character. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Street parking is available along Monroe Avenue and on adjacent side streets.