Within the city of San Antonio, only a short 10-minute drive from UTSA lies a hidden gem full of exciting science and technology artifacts. Analytical Scientific, a science-themed store, has been a beacon of scientific exploration since the 1970s and continues to captivate customers and science enthusiasts alike. The store, founded and established by father and son, U.S. military veterans George and Jim Aldrich, continues to be driven by a strong sense of community and family pride.
In an interview with Jim Aldrich, he explained, “My dad and I started the company in about 1970, and at that time, we had a medical laboratory, which we had for about 10 years. He wanted to start a business, so I said, ‘Well, okay.’ We’ve been doing this for about 53 years now.”
Within the shop, patrons can purchase a wide variety of items. Analytical Scientific offers products such as telescopes, test tubes, science posters, gadgets and science knick-knacks that many individuals can enjoy. In addition to their background in science and owning a laboratory, the store also has various laboratory equipment for customers to purchase.
“We have a lot of laboratory equipment and supplies, cylinders, beakers and just, you know, anything for the laboratory, really,” Aldrich said. “We have chemicals and tubing and all those types of things, so just about everything for the medical laboratory and clinical laboratory.”
With the upcoming eclipse coming in early April, the shop has been busier than ever. Multiple telescopes have already been sold, solar eclipse glasses are quickly being purchased and the store is ready for patrons to line up in their parking lot.
“We had quite a few people here last October during the fire eclipse,” Aldrich said. “We had people on the street lined up, the parking lot was full of cars and we had already sold out of our solar eclipse glasses by that time. We still have about 2,000 pairs left, but we sell those fairly quickly.”
Despite the many years that the shop has been open, Analytical Scientific continues to engage customers with its innovation and exploration within the scientific world. Due to this, a strong sense of community between the shop and its patrons has formed, making Analytical Scientific a nostalgic place for individuals. Even after five decades, the same family members still answer the doors and greet patrons every day.
“We go through about four or five generations of families, and people come in and say, ‘My dad used to bring me here when I was about five years old’ or whatever, and then that child, you know, grows up,” Aldrich said. “So that’s been going on for quite a few years, but of course, we’re getting old, so we won’t be here forever. But it’s been fun while it’s lasted.”
Analytical Scientific is more than just a science supply store; it is a hub for creativity, research and discovery. You will not be disappointed with what the store offers, whether it is academic resources, unique gifts or just a place that captures your scientific interest.
To learn more, visit the shop at 11049 Bandera Rd or their website to stay updated on the shop’s products and announcements.
