Reuse Refuge is shutting down after five and a half years, according to owner Lucy Janssen. The business operated in downtown Auburn.
Janssen said the decision followed reflection and conversations with her family about long-term stability.
“This shop has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” Janssen said. “What started as a hopeful idea became a place filled with conversations, creativity, and community.”
She said the business helped divert materials from landfills and keep usable items in circulation while serving the local community.
Janssen said recent years brought challenges not always visible to the public, leading her to step away and focus on providing for her family in a more sustainable way.
“After a lot of reflection and many hard conversations with my family, I’ve realized that the best decision for us right now is to step away and focus on rebuilding stability for our household,” she said.
She expressed support for local businesses and their role in the community, noting the importance of customer support.
“If there’s one thing I hope comes from this transition, it’s a reminder of how important it is to support the businesses we want to keep around,” Janssen said.
The shop will remain open through May 16.
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