Henry's Shoppes sets up shop

SANDUSKY — A man with an extensive background in retail wants to present something special for those living in and visiting Sandusky. Ryan Henry intends to open his new gift-based business, Henry's Shoppes, this weekend at the Marketplace Downtown, 133 E. Market St., in a storefront beside Wake Up and Waffle. "Here, in Sandusky, it really doesn't have a gift shop in the downtown area," said Henry, who worked for many years at Pat Catan's in Strongsville. Henry along with his business partner, Mike Hicks, gained familiarity with the area and clientele while selling gifts at the Sandusky Farmers Market during the past four years. It convinced them to take a chance and operate a year-round business within the downtown mall. "We have been successful at the farmer's market, and we enjoy seeing Sandusky grow and wanted to be part of it," Hicks said. Among the items sold at Henry's Shoppes: crystals; marble turtles; hand-thrown mugs; hand-quilled cards; hand-crafted jewelry; rings; wool-line decorative products that resemble items like plants; plushies of woodland critters and more; lotions; incense; and soaps. "We are also going to expand our 'Sandusky' line," Henry said. "We will have Sandusky T-shirts and hats. Sandusky apparel can be hard to find." Regarding the crystals, they represent one of Henry's highest-selling items at farmer's market events. "It carries a different meaning for different people," Henry said. "For some people, it keeps them grounded. For others, it brings them good luck or fortune. Some people, like me, just think that they are really cool." Added Hicks: "They like them for spirituality purposes, and they're popular to collect." During the winter, people can visit Henry's Shoppes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Hours should expand heading into the spring and summer. Both men hope to see customers out and support their store. "If you are looking for unique gifts or things, it's great," Henry said. "You won't find this stuff anywhere else around in Sandusky."