A few years ago, the McCroy family had a dream to open a store filled with interesting merchandise. Together, Greg, Sonja, Kari and Cynthia McCrory made it happen.
“Sonja and I were on a vacation to Cedar Point, taking the scenic route, stopping at out-of-the-way shops,” Greg says. “We were talking about family and what our futures could be, and the legacy we would leave for our children and grandchildren. We thought it would be fun to open a shop. Then, we said we could absolutely do this.”
The four McCroys officially opened This & That in February 2018 in a small retail space on North Coliseum Boulevard. The shop quickly outgrew its initial location, so the family moved their livelihood to its current space at 3209 N. Anthony Blvd. A, Fort Wayne, in December 2018.
“Shoppers can find a little of this and a lot of that,” Greg says. “We work hard as a family to bring current and older merchandise to keep our store updated and interesting. We offer mid-range furniture, kitchen items, small appliances, vintage items, home decor, books, games, curtains, rugs, collectibles and so much more. We are proud to also feature books from local authors and have ‘meet the author’ events and book signings.”
Inventory is constantly changing at This & That, with new items in the shop daily. The owners find new and used items from many sources, including online auctions, garage sales, other thrift shops, estate sales, store clearance aisles, store closeouts and sales from individuals.
It’s important to the owners to pay close attention to customer service. In 2022, they received the “Best of 2022 Home Goods Store” award and strive to live up to that honor.
“We are a local, family-owned business that values our community,” Greg says. “We go the extra mile and put together the flat pack furniture, so the customer does not have to. We offer below-retail prices on our products. We offer a wide variety of product to choose from. We run our store as a family and hope that carries over to our customers. We always have a little of this and a lot of that.”
Store hours recently changed. This & That is now open Monday-Thursday from noon-4 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The store is closed on Sundays.
Customers can also visit This & That’s online store.
“Just go to our Facebook page and hit the link that’s there,” Greg says. “We are always striving to improve and expand upon our service and products. We’ve done this by adding online shopping and customer service by answering questions online whenever we can.”
If there’s one thing Greg is thankful for, it’s the people who have made This & That a reality.
“We want to thank our family and friends for all the hard work, effort, love and support they give us,” he says. “Without them, it would not be possible for us to continue. Also, a big thank you to our customers, who without them, This & That would still be a discussion on our way to Cedar Point.” ❚