By SETH NOLAN

Sun-Gazette Correspondent

As the retail industry continues to change, Rust & Shine, at 600 Cemetery Street, is a leading example as to why many people still prefer to shop in-store.

Rust & Shine has nearly 13,000 square feet of room to showcase unique and interesting small businesses.

“We are home to about 60 different small businesses,” Mary Wimer said. Each is as unique as the last.

Started as a family project in June of 2019, Rust & Shine has since evolved into a meeting spot of some of the most interesting shopping in the area.

“We are family-owned and proud of that,” Wimer said. “Together we are mom, Carol Slout, daughter, Amber Kastner, son Galen Wimer and sister-in-law Mary Wimer.”

More than that, the 6 children and extended family help make Rust & Shine what it is today, Wimer said. “Our office is a toy room, a homework room, kitchen, wrapping room and so much more,” she said. “We do everything together.”

Although retail shopping is always challenged by chain stores and online shopping, Rust & Shine makes an effort to find a unique and rotating inventory to entice a variety of shoppers.

In the large space there are artisan skin products, a large variety of custom-made jewelry, clothing, and decor, to name a few.

When a founding member of the business fell in love with the location, the family worked hard together to combine the multiple visions for the space into what it is today, Wimer said.

Over the years, that work has built not only a store, but a community.

“The biggest highlight for us is that community support,” Wimer said. “Our customers and vendors have been so encouraging and we would not be where we are without both of them. All of our artists, crafters, and entrepreneurs have joined our journey in creating Rust & Shine. Together we make up a large array of shops.”

Contributing to that community atmosphere are the events Rust & Shine frequently host.

The next one, Kick Off to the Holidays, will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 5. There will be over 50 local vendors and feature Batter-Up Bakery and Darby’s BBQ.

“Our store is filling up with tons of amazing holiday decorations, holiday gift items, clothing, jewelry, antiques, collectables, local handmade gifts, and so much more,” Rust & Shine said.

Rust and Shine will celebrate another incoming holiday season and prepare for next year.

“Our ambition for the future is to continue to be original,” Wimer said. “To find unique things, to partner with creative people, and to grow our business.”

Rust and Shine can be found on Facebook and can be reached at (570) 980-9766. They also have an online store at https://rustandshineuniqueshopps.com