Crazy Creek Co-op has been a part of Downtown Elizabethton since 2016, but its upcoming move to a new location marks a reimagining of what the store is truly about.

Jenn Austin opened the shop after roughly 17 years of working in public schools.

“Over the years I had worked in several retail positions as well and decided that it would be great to have a retail location of my very own,” Austin said.

Crazy Creek is a gift shop, specializing in various antiques and other items. After years of operation, Austin said she considered whether her store needed the large space she was currently using.

“I wondered what it would be like if Crazy Creek were in a smaller more cozy location than the sprawling building that it was currently housed in at that time,” she said. “I wondered if a smaller space would encourage folks to come together for more than shopping. I wondered if I could encourage a sense of community and of friendship with my shop.”

The store’s name originated from a stream in Beaver County, Utah. Austin says on the store’s Facebook page the name embraces the fun atmosphere she hopes to provide for her customers.

“It is a place where folks can come in and enjoy a free cup of coffee while they shop, sit and chat or make something.”

The shop does more than simply offer products to sell. It offers a variety of classes throughout the year, including ukulele and jewelry classes. Customers do not need an appointment to stop by, however.

“We will also offer the opportunity to just drop in and make something,” she said. “Drop in anytime and we will help you create a project.”

She said this focus on the customers was part of the decision to relocate.

“Crazy Creek was already a wonderful gift shop, but I wanted to focus more on makers and the items they painstakingly create.”

Austin said she plans to finish the relocation by the end of the year, and she plans to officially reopen the first week of January at their new location, at 545 East Elk Ave. She said she encourages anyone interested to stop by and see what the store has to offer.

“Who knows, you may just make a friend in the process,” Austin said.