Longtime antique and gift stop closed in Philipsburg, new market to open in its place
A longtime antique and gift shop closed earlier this month in Philipsburg, giving way to a healthy foods store with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Conklin’s Corner Antique & Gift Barn, 670 Tyrone Pike, closed Jan. 7 after more than 23 years in business. Terri Conklin, 60, who owns the business with her husband, state Rep. Scott Conklin, said she plans to retire. They expect to become grandparents in May.
Closing the only business she’s ever owned, Conklin said, was “bittersweet.”
“It’s been a labor of love. I really enjoy seeing our customers and our community. I’ve been very blessed to have such an enjoyable experience,” Conklin said. “Our employees have been fantastic. We’re very lucky to have had such community support.”
Sowers Market is preparing to open in its place. Owner Earl Rissler described it as half health food store, half grocery store. He expects the store to eventually have everything from a deli and bakery to a greenhouse and a cafe.
He hopes to open in early April. Minor renovations, stocking inventory and ensuring payment systems are in place are all on his to-do list.
“We don’t want to just try to sell what we think people want. We’re very open to suggestions as long as it fits within our business,” Rissler said. “We think it’s important that people eat good food. It should taste good, but it also needs to be good for you and not full of junk.”
Conklin’s Corner was a Philipsburg staple since it opened in May 2000, serving as one of the community’s favorite stomping grounds. Gifts and home goods sold at the store can be found in hundreds, if not thousands, of Centre County homes.
Five people were employed at the business when it closed. Conklin described them as “part of the backbone of the business.”
“It is sad. I’m going to miss it a lot,” Conklin said of closing her business. “I’m excited for the next chapter of my life, but I will have such fond memories of the shop.
“It’s time. All good things come to an end.”
Sowers Market, Conklin said, will be a “wonderful addition for our area.” Rissler, a longtime business owner in nearby Union County, declined to share how long his lease is, but expressed a desire to stay long term.
“We’re intending a long-term thing,” Rissler said. “We’re not looking at just a trial run.”
He expects to have more than a handful of employees when the business opens for the first time. Depending on its needs, that number could swell to upward of 20 within two years.
The store will be closed Sunday and Monday. Hours for the rest of the week, Rissler said, are to be determined. He plans to be open about 40-45 per week to start. They may be expanded as more workers are hired.
“There’s a lot of ideas. I’m not sure that we can start off with everything, but that’s what we’re envisioning,” Rissler said. “It’s a lot of stuff to try and orchestrate. Pulling that together in two to three months time is going to keep me stepping, but I’m excited. The single biggest challenge is going to be getting enough good employees ready to go by the beginning of April. Everything else doesn’t bother me; it’s all stuff that’s totally doable.”