Historic Downtown Location Has a New Store - Hasso Hering

In a column for hh-today.com, Hasso Hering reported that Many Hands Trading Company opened last month at 424 W. First Ave. downtown, taking over a historic location in Albany.

During a bike ride through downtown Albany a few nights ago, Hering noticed the new shop occupying the space that for many years housed the Bike ‘n’ Hike bicycle store. On Saturday, he stopped to meet the owners, Melissa and Carl Posto, who officially opened their doors in October.

The store currently occupies the east half of the former bike shop. Once that particular area is fully prepared, they intend to relocate right next door into the former new-bike display zone.

In August of last year, building owner Derek Whiteside secured authorization from the Albany Landmarks Commission to install a front entrance on the western side of the property located at 426 First Ave. SW. On Saturday, that side did not yet have an entry.

The Postos live in Salem. For about 20 years, they ran their trading company store in Corvallis, and for nine years they also operated an outlet in McMinnville. When Hering inquired about their decision to launch a shop in Albany, he noted they had been searching for an accommodating landlord who understood their enterprise, and they successfully located one in this city.

Inside the shop, Hering saw a great variety of gifts, clothing, and odds and ends, with garment sizes ranging from very small to triple X. The store website states: “Many Hands specializes in ethically sourced products that align with your values. We are dedicated to providing unique, stylish items that are good for the planet and the community. Shop with confidence knowing every purchase supports sustainable practices and responsible sourcing.”

The building itself carries deep local history. According to the city’s inventory of historic properties, it was built around 1909 as the Dreamland Theater, serving as a venue for vaudeville and motion picture shows. For about four decades, it operated as a bike store where Hering regularly purchased gear like tires, tubes, and occasional bicycles.