There may have been looks of surprise followed by expressions of disappointment on the parts of people when they were greeted by the sight of an empty storefront; that is, if their plans included doing some shopping at In Every Room, located (then) at 233 W. Main St. in downtown Elkin.

But if anyone who might have experienced those expressions of possible disappointment looked up the street, they would have discovered the store had moved to larger quarters at 126 W. Main St., (right next to an Elkin landmark, Royall's Soda Shoppe).

Plus those original looks of surprise would be replaced with another set -- only this time it would over the expanded and eclectic assortment of clothing, artwork jewelry, hand-made pillows and stuffed animals, as well as other various unique gift items.

The move, according to owner Eris Ball, has allowed her to expand her line of merchandise, as her new site is about four times larger than the original store, which was opened this past April. The move came in part due to the popularity of what Ball has to offer.

"The style of the boutique reflects my style," Ball said, "I enjoy finding things in unexpected places."

She said she likes to mix old with new and locates product for her store at various places like antique shows, gift shows and the furniture market.

She also merchandises unique items that are "re-purposed" and not usually found in other area shops.

"I try to offer items that are 'green,'" Ball said. "For example, the stuffed animals are made from old chenille bedspreads."

The current top selling items are old silver pieces such as trays and spoons that have been engraved. These pieces have sayings on them, which make them great collectibles said Ball.

With the larger facility, Ball has now been able to add clothing for women. She has also been able to expand her present lines of merchandise, which includes home accessories and baby gifts.

The boutique stays fresh by adding unique items as often as possible. As an example, Ball said, some of the original artwork that currently adorns the walls are switched out quarterly.

"I have a lady who is an artist who reframes postcards using molded wood," she said. "There is a lady who makes cork boards using the corks from wine bottles."

Ball said she turns to a number of sources for merchandise. That includes local craftspeople and artisans, as well as those within North Carolina. However, she also seeks out unique and eclectic items from across the U.S. and cited a person who lives in Maine from whom she makes purchases.

Want to go:


In Every Room is located at 126 W. Main St., in downtown Elkin. Hours and days of operation are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday. Call 835-3506 or visit its web site: www.ineveryroom.com