TRYON – EquiTreasures, an equestrian clothing and jewelry store, has relocated from the Shops of Tryon to the former St. Luke’s Thrift Store at 148 N. Trade St.

Helen Ringus, a Chicago native, opened EquiTreasures in July of last year to sell the remaining inventory from her Wearable Art store in Florida.

Ringus said she has created and repaired jewelry for 30 years. EquiTreasures features equestrian-themed women and children’s clothing along with horse-themed accessories.

“When I had the pop-up store in the Shops of Tryon, I was waiting for something bigger and this store is twice the size of my former location,” Ringus said. “The town was glad the building would not sit empty after the thrift store left.”

Ringus said most of her items are below the cost of something one would find at a major retailer, ranging from scarves to purses, jewelry and antiques. She added she would be bringing in men’s clothing and derby hats in the spring.

The 2,700-square-foot building also offers space to have a jewelry workshop and art studio downstairs, according to Ringus. She said the St. Luke’s Thrift Store was in Tryon for eight years.

“The equestrian center initially brought me here and the fact that this is an equestrian area,” Ringus said. “I wanted to live in an area that loves horses and has horse people.”

She said because the St. Luke’s Thrift Store had been open in Tryon for eight years, people still think EquiTreasures is a thrift store. A sign hangs on the front door telling customers the store is not a thrift store, Ringus said.

The store will be open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and can be found on Facebook. Ringus said she also does jewelry repairs and restringing for necklaces. Call 908-797-9865 for more information.