November marks the third anniversary of Shoppe American Made, in Dover. Barb Schrum, owner and operator, couldn’t be more thrilled, because she has always dreamed of owning her own shop. When her family suggested a place where she could sell not only her own homemade chocolates and baked goods, but other products manufactured in the United States, Schrum jumped on the idea. “American-made products are hard to find,” she says. “They can also be expensive. My mission was to offer a wide variety of unique items at an affordable price.” Now Schrum feels she is accomplishing her goal.

Customers will find plenty of American-made items, like Thorogood work boots from Wisconsin; Texas Jeans from North Carolina; goat’s milk lotions and soaps from Windrift Hill, in Montana; and gluten-free flours from Bob’s Red Mill, in Oregon.

While Schrum’s shop began as an American-made store, it has organically grown into a predominately locally made store. “When I opened the store in 2011, I had four or five local vendors,” she recalls. Now she has more than 70 local vendors offering products like nut butters, pickles, sauces, jams, salsa, raw honey, dog treats, homemade cards, jewelry and many hand sewn items. Many of her regular customers say her shop is their favorite place to buy gifts. “Christmas time is especially popular,” says Schrum. “We offer so many unique gifts that you can’t find anywhere else.”

Schrum’s shop also features her own baked goods, with pies being a favorite. Other specialties include chocolate-dipped pretzels and cookies and chocolate and peanut butter fudge. “And if I’m in the mood to bake a pineapple upside-down cake, I bake that and offer it to my customers that day,” she says. Schrum also takes special orders for holidays and other events.

The Shoppe American Made kitchen, run by Schrum’s daughter, Becky, serves up homemade meals every weekday. The rotating menu includes soups, salads, stuffed shells, meatloaf, chicken pot pie and much more. “All food is carry-out, although we do offer seating on our back deck when the weather permits,” says Schrum.

Schrum feels that she is fortunate to have a business she enjoys going to each day. “I love running the shop,” she says. “My vendors and customers are so supportive, encouraging and friendly. My regular customers feel more like dear friends. And I get to make new friends all the time.”

Location: 55 W. Canal St., Dover. For more information, call 717-308-7142 or visit ShoppeAmericanMade.com. 

Erin Lehn Floresca is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.