A new shop in downtown Latrobe is offering more than just secondhand style—it’s adding a touch of the mystical to the local shopping scene.

Mystic Thrift Emporium, located on Main Street, invites visitors to browse everything from crystals and incense to jeans and designer handbags, all at budget-friendly prices. The front of the store highlights spiritual items like herbs, candles, and sage, while the rest features size-inclusive clothing and accessories.

Owner Charita Schultz of North Huntingdon Township says the shop is designed to surprise customers. “You might come for the clothes and realize you want to stay for something else,” she said.

Schultz has long envisioned owning a thrift store, a goal she first imagined as a high school student in Pittsburgh. After spending about a decade selling secondhand clothing online, she opened her first physical location in Trafford in 2024—where the name Mystic Thrift Emporium was born.

Her interest in crystals and spiritual items inspired the store’s unique concept. “I’ve always been drawn to stones and similar items, so I wanted to combine that with a sustainable shopping experience,” she explained.

Despite the strong concept, the Trafford location struggled with foot traffic and closed last summer. Schultz then continued her business as a vendor at Steel Goat Marketplace in Penn Hills, where she still sells today. Still, she wanted a storefront of her own.

That opportunity came quickly. She signed a lease in Latrobe on June 10 and opened quietly on July 2. “It came together faster than I expected,” she said. “So far, it’s been very promising.”

The shop has seen daily sales since opening, and Schultz plans to expand inventory with additional racks and selections. Merchandise comes from a mix of past donations, potential future contributions, and carefully sourced finds. Her focus is on quality and affordability across a wide range of styles—from Vans sneakers to work boots to eye-catching statement pieces.

Schultz often balances business with family life. A mother of three, she is also a part-time waitress in Irwin, and her young daughters occasionally spend time at the shop during the summer.

Inside the store, the decor is still evolving. A framed first dollar from her Trafford location is ready to be displayed, and Schultz plans to fill the space with art and personal touches. She is also considering collaborating with local artists, similar to how her previous shop featured an upstairs gallery.

Mystic Thrift Emporium is located at 223 Main St. and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.