Hippie Fox Rocks, a rock and metaphysical shop in Downtown Kent’s Acorn Alley, is geared up to open a second location on Nov. 22 after noticing a decline in customer traffic in its current area.
The new store will be located at 549 South Chillicothe Road, Suite #110 in the Aurora Farms Premium Outlets.
Hippie Fox Rocks is about to celebrate their third anniversary; the original shop having opened in December 2021.
“I always felt like Kent needed a rock crystal shop or a metaphysical shop because we never had one,” said owner Jared Abell.
When he saw the vacancy, he took it. Ever since, he said it’s been a good, community-based business.
Recently though, Abell said he’s been noticing less traffic downtown than what Kent had when he first opened the store.
“I think there’s been a lot of pressure on the consumer over the last few months, and people don’t have as much money to spend on the fun things they want to,” he said. “We’ve seen a big decline, but we’re hoping it picks back up, and we’re hoping we can stay where we’re at.”
Jokingly calling the new store the ‘Super Fox,’ Abell said it will be three times as large and carry a wider variety of items than what is currently sold including STEM toys, dinosaur-themed products, more clothing and higher-end crystal-related jewelry.
Kyle Hersh, area director of marketing and business development, said Aurora Farms is eager to host the business.
“They have a very unique perspective in merchandise, which is something we don’t have,” Hersh said. “We’re looking to bring in some folks who are looking for that type of product that we just haven’t been able to service here in the past.”
As Aurora Farms is just finishing its redevelopment project, Hersh said many older buildings were taken down. Hippie Fox Rocks will be taking an empty spot that’s been vacant for a while, bringing in more gift-related items, which a lot of the outlet stores don’t currently have.
Abell said he hopes to bring more diverse clientele to the outlets and reach into surrounding areas.
The reconstruction gave Abell a good opportunity to move in under good terms and into an area with a bit more vibrance and foot traffic, something he says will be strategic.
Although he is nervous, since he doesn’t know how well his business will be received, Abell said his company stands out among other crystal shops because it is family-friendly.
“Our mission is to bring a rock shop or a geological or metaphysical experience to the masses, … so that everyone can come in and get those types of things if they’re into it,” Abell said. “That’s what we’re trying to do there, just expand upon that.”
Lauren Cohen is a beat reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
