4 new ventures open in downtown Schenectady

PHOTOGRAPHER: Bethany Bump

A music shop, an Asian fusion lounge, a used power-sports shop and an aquarium store: All are among a handful of businesses that have opened recently in downtown Schenectady.

Here’s some information about each:

• Hermie’s Music Store: This family-owned Schenectady music shop spent more than 60 years on State Street before relocating to the Jay Street Marketplace about two weeks ago. The new store at 163 Jay St. has all of the usual offerings — instruments, supplies, repairs and lessons — along with a new performance area at the front of the store.

• Upstate Corals: This aquarium shop offers a variety of live saltwater fish and coral from around the world at its new store in the Jay Street Marketplace. Located at 127 Jay St., Upstate Corals has the supplies needed to start and maintain an aquarium. “Upstate Corals has an informational center where you can learn about the corals and fish you are interested in purchasing or may already have in your aquarium,” its website reads.

• ESI Powersports: This company offers used motorcycles, ATVs, jet skis, snowmobiles and more out of the old Wolberg Electrical Supply building at 118 Erie Blvd. The building offers more than 5,000 square feet of retail showroom space and a warehouse area out back.

• Zen: This Asian bistro adds to downtown Schenectady’s nightlife, with trivia nights every Wednesday, regular happy hour deals and an after-hours lounge that kicks off every night at 10. With a menu of sushi, mojitos, sake and more, the restaurant is located at 469 State St. near Anthology Studio.