Business

Stoltzfus Woodcraft moves to Loyalsock Township

Stoltzfus Woodcraft has been in operation for over thirty years, and while they're best known for their selection of Amish-made products, the shop boasts so much more.

The business was started by John and Katie Stoltzfus, originally from Lancaster.

"They started out in strip malls, selling little crafts they made, and then they grew into selling candles and other homemade Amish things, and they wound up getting so busy that they took a place at the former Lycoming Mall," Jamey explained.

Jamey, a lifelong masonry contractor looking for a new line of work to fill his retirement, partnered with the couple when the mall began to go out of business.

The shop initially moved across the street from Wal-Mart in Montoursville, before rising rent costs necessitated a move to its current location, 820 Westminster Drive in January 2023.

"We had a good partnership with them for two years, but they decided to retire, so we bought them out and we took over," Jamey explained.

And, while new owners taking over any business may raise concerns among its customer base, Jamey stresses that they have continued in the spirit and tradition of the store's founders.

"We're trying to keep a legacy going," he said. "You better believe we didn't change anything."

"We've added a couple different things, but we've never taken away from what John and Katie started," Jamey stressed.

"One of the women that originally started with them 35 years ago is still with us today," he said.

"John and Katie Stoltzfus always carried top of the line furniture," Jamey said.

"We carry everything from bedroom suits to islands and kitchen table sets and pantries, you name it. And if you can't find exactly what you're looking for on the floor, we have catalogs that you can order from," he explained.

"Let's say we have a bookcase on the floor that you want, but it's not quite the right color, you can look in our catalog and see which color or stain you want, and then place an order for it to come in."

"This isn't cheap stuff. This is the best stuff that you can get for your money," Jamey explained. "But, our prices are comparable to other stores, because our products are 100% wood handcrafted, it's not particle board or anything like that."

"We're probably 50% Amish furniture," Jamey explained, stressing that the store has much more to offer.

"When people think of Stoltzfus Woodcraft, they think it's all furniture, but this place has everything. We carry the biggest willow tree inventory in town," Jamey said.

"We sell everything from country curtains, to lamps, and we have the biggest candle selection in the area," he said.

"We have all kinds of home décor, flowers and decorative vases, pictures, clocks and lanterns. There's just so much for people who like to decorate their home in country fashion."

"Our candles and our melts are a top seller. They're top of the line, and their scents last," Jamey said.

Many of the products are handcrafted by women in the Amish community including doilies and towels.

"I have a sign that says 'we're the area's most unique shopping experience.' This is a place where you can get that special someone a really nice gift," Jamey said.

"And we have in-house sales all the time to keep things moving around," Jamey said.

Something Jamey stresses to anyone considering shopping with Stoltzfus is that ample parking is available.

"If they're only looking at the front, they're not seeing the parking along the side and and behind the building."

Stoltzfus offers a daily 10% discount for senior citizens, veterans, active military and first responders, and a layaway plan.

"John and Katie always had a layaway option, so we continue to offer a 90 day plan for just 20% down," Jamey explained.

"And we do give things away from time to time. We give gift baskets and things, and support the public."

"We put our money back into the community," he said.

"We're also a mom and pop shop, we're not corporate, so it's important for the public to continue to support small businesses," Jamey stressed.

Asked what makes the shop the premiere shopping experience in the area, Jamey points to the diversity and quality of their stock.

"We have personable and unique gifts that nobody else in the area carries, and there's so much."

"We change up seasonal stuff. In the fall, we get really nice handmade scarecrows and other fall stuff, and then get a wide variety of Christmas arrangements," Jamey said.

"If you want your money's worth, if you want to stretch your money and get the most bang for your buck, you need to stop at Stoltzfus Woodcraft because we are the most unique shopping experience in the area," he said.

For those looking for a unique gift for any occasion, please check out Stoltzfus in person, on the web at www.stoltzfuswoodcraft.com or their Facebook page.