Shop Small, Shop Troy Series: Troy Cloth & Paper

Olivia Clemente
Nov 6
2 min read

38 3rd St, Troy, NY

Owner: Dave Langer

How long have you been in business in Downtown Troy?

Troy Cloth & Paper has proudly called Downtown Troy home for 15 years. Over that time, the shop has become a familiar part of the streetscape — the kind of place people bring visiting friends to say, “This is Troy.” Owner Dave Langer has built more than just a retail store; he’s created a space with personality, humor, and hometown pride stitched into everything they produce.

What do you sell in the shop?

Inside you’ll find a curated selection of Troy-themed t-shirts, totes, gift bags, and souvenirs that make it easy to share the spirit of the city. The designs are original, thoughtful, and fun, the type of pieces that become instant favorites.This year, they’ve even brought glassware back for the first time in five years, perfect for gifting or adding a bit of Troy flair to your home.

Is there a particular item or service you’d like to highlight this holiday season?

While the storefront is what most people know, Dave would love to draw more attention to Troy Shirt Co., the custom printing studio operating right inside the shop.

Troy Shirt Co. offers:

Custom signage & banners
Menus & printed materials
Company or client gifts
Holiday cards & magnets
Apparel, merch, and themed gift sets

One of the most unique parts of the business is their willingness to do small-run orders, even down to a single custom gift. That means you don’t need to place a bulk order to create something personal and meaningful. (Just keep in mind that while production happens in-house, same-day turnaround isn’t available.)

It’s a perfect option for:

Employee appreciation gifts
Small business holiday thank-yous
Wedding parties or friend groups
Truly one-of-a-kind presents

What makes Troy special to you?

“The atmosphere and the community,” Dave says, that Downtown Troy feels like a place where people show up for one another, creatively, socially, and economically. It’s a city where independence is valued and personality is celebrated.

Why should people shop small this holiday season?

When you shop small, you’re supporting the fabric of the community. Your purchases help maintain our storefronts, our culture, and our local character. And importantly, the money you spend stays right here in Troy. It circulates through our neighborhoods, supports local jobs, and keeps our downtown thriving.