Stars & Stripes The Flag Store

Stars & Stripes The Flag Store is a specialty retail shop at 783 South Ave in Rochester, NY, operated as a social enterprise program of the Veterans Outreach Center (VOC). Originally established around 2000, the store supports the oldest community-based veteran outreach organization in the nation — the VOC was founded in 1973 by returning Vietnam veterans. The physical storefront closed in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic and shifted to online-only sales before reopening at its current South Avenue location in September 2023. All proceeds from the store fund services for local veterans and their families through the Veterans Outreach Center.

The store carries a wide selection of flags and patriotic merchandise, including:

• American flags in various sizes
• State, world, and military branch flags (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard)
• Specialty and holiday flags
• Flagpole accessories: poles, brackets, stands, toppers, and parade equipment
• Military-themed apparel such as t-shirts and hoodies
• Accessories including hats, patches, pins, jewelry, and lanyards
• Home décor, drinkware, car accessories, and gift items

The store also offers a 10% discount to veterans and provides free shipping on online orders over $75 through their website at eflagstore.com.

Stars & Stripes The Flag Store occupies a distinct niche in Rochester as a flag retailer with a direct charitable mission — every dollar spent goes back to veteran services. Beyond retail, the VOC has developed the store as a workforce development site where veterans receive training in entrepreneurship and business operations. The store relies on volunteer support from the community to maintain its operations, reinforcing its role as both a retail destination and a community-driven program.

The store sits at 783 South Ave in Rochester's South Wedge–Highland area, approximately half a mile south of the Veterans Outreach Center's main facility at 447 South Ave. This stretch of South Avenue connects the South Wedge neighborhood to the Highland Park area, with easy access from nearby Interstate 490. The storefront is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., with expanded Monday-through-Friday hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) available for online order inquiries. Street parking is available along South Avenue.