What did she do on her Christmas vacation? Move into a much larger facility that not only gives her the opportunity to expand her unique inventory but also to create a shared marketplace experience for her fellow entrepreneurs. 

The new location, known as Kat’s Krystals and the Vendor Vault, will have its grand reopening 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at its 147 N. Market St. location in East Palestine, which used to house such successful businesses as Rukenbrod’s Meat Market and the Clutter’d Hutch. 

Many downtowns struggle to keep its traditional retail spaces full and flourishing without suffering notorious disasters, like the Feb. 2023 train derailment. 

Smith hopes that the Vendor Vault will provide an entry level option for artisans and small business people to enter the retail market in a more affordable fashion. 

With more room to grow, Kat’s Krystals has relocated to 147 N. Market St., East Palestine, where it will share the space with 38 other entrepreneurs in a marketplace style setting. Owner Kat Smith said the much larger footprint allows her to expand her inventory of crystals, jewelry, homemade art as well as add items like new flavored teas. The business will host its grand reopening Saturday. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

In this more conservative setting, entrepreneurs also can test out their retail markets while still reach new customers without commitments like long-term leases. 

In the case of Smith’s own retail shopping spot, Kat’s Krystals, she explained that the extra space allows her to expand her inventory of crystals, include fossils, more handmade jewelry and even add flavored tea and scented room sprays. 

However, it also assisted her with another goal. 

With the Vendor Vault, Smith sought to offer the opportunity to a new business much like how she started and eventually grew to her own shop.

The Vendor Vault will include 38 different artisans who will maintain vendor spaces within her location, and she has filled all but one space. 

With the move to a larger space, Kat’s Krystals was able to expand its inventory, including its fossils that are available for sale. The store moved down and across the street into its new 147 N. Market St. location in East Palestine.  The extra space also allows her to have vendor booths within the space, where  small businesses and artisans can rent in the “Vendor Vault” without the expensive overhead when starting out. The majority of the 38 vendors hadn’t start setting up their booth spaces as of Monday. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

“I started out on one shelf, and I would love to see someone become so successful that they eventually need their own shop,” Smith added. 

After Saturday, the regular store hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

The store will be closed Sundays and Mondays. 

In addition to being able to share the various unique booths, refreshments will be served. 

Perk Avenue’s food truck also will be on hand to serve cookies and its various beverages. 

With more room to grow, Kat’s Krystals has relocated to 147 N. Market St., East Palestine, where it will share the space with 38 other entrepreneurs in a marketplace style setting. Owner Kat Smith said the much larger footprint allows her to expand her inventory of crystals, jewelry, homemade art as well as add items like new flavored teas. The business will host its grand reopening Saturday. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

More updated information about the store and its grand opening can be found by calling 330-420-5664 or by visiting https://www.facebook.com/katskrystals545.

With more room to grow, Kat’s Krystals has relocated to 147 N. Market St., East Palestine, where it will share the space with 38 other entrepreneurs in a marketplace style setting. Owner Kat Smith said the much larger footprint allows her to expand her inventory of crystals, jewelry, homemade art as well as add items like new flavored teas. The business will host its grand reopening Saturday. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)