Encore Shop settles into new location

SANDUSKY — You never know what you'll find at the Encore Shop. The resale shop — which benefits Stein Hospice, a service that provides care for individuals, who are nearing the end of their lives, and comfort their families — recently moved its location. The Encore Shop first opened in October 2010 on Columbus Avenue in downtown Sandusky. In February, the shop relocated within Sandusky to 2215 Cleveland Road (U.S. 6), Suite 109, the former home of Harmony in Health Group Fitness. The store is now on one floor, and it gained more space along with a garage door for accepting community donations. With COVID-19 protocols, donations sit for 48 hours before being sanitized and put on the floor for shoppers. "Our customers who were with us prior are still with us now, and we've gained some new customers on the purchasing end and the donating end," said Tamara Zuilhof, the hospice's chief operating officer. The Encore Shop specializes in quality, gently used items including clothing, accessories, furniture, housewares, artwork and more. There are times when the shop receives unique and vintage items. "I think the passion that everybody has for both the agency, and what we do here makes this shop special," Zuilhof said. "In just about every case, they've had someone who has experienced Stein Hospice and knows that all the profits from this little shop go to help people who need it." About 35 volunteers work in various parts of the store. Zuilhof said the volunteers are wonderful, and they do everything they can to make the shop look its best, and they're always looking for more volunteers. Zuilhof said it doesn't matter what people are looking for at the shop because they'll probably find something that suits their needs. Items on the floor change daily, and it exemplifies the generosity of the people who donate, she added. "Stop by the shop. You're going to be surprised by what you find," Zuilhof said. "It's really great stuff for a really great cause."