MARTINS FERRY — A former hospital gift shop has expanded and reopened in a new location in the city of Martins Ferry.

The Wishing Well, which previously operated inside of East Ohio Regional Hospital before the facility’s closure last fall, has reopened on Zane Highway.

The shop, which contains three rooms full of gifts, home decor, homemade goodies, Crossroads candles, purses, jewelry and more, opened for business on Nov. 3.

It is situated inside the former chamber of commerce building at 108 S. Zane Highway, which has its own off-street parking.

Owner Maryann Steffl said she originally operated her shop at EORH for nine years before the hospital closed. Now her new shop has additional space to offer more items.

The shop is observing COVID-19 recommendations and orders related to social distancing. It also is offering curbside pickup for those who do not want to browse in person.

Many of the gift and decor items are made locally, while others are imported. Many of the wood crafts are made by Steffl’s husband, Terry Steffl.

The cookies, cakes, pies and other sweet treats available there are made by St. Clairsville resident Heather Gordon of Heather’s Cookies, a licensed home baker.

Paparazzi Jewelry also is being sold inside by Barb Cunningham of Brilliant.

One of the shop’s employees is Grace Shively, who volunteered at the business for many years when it operated inside EORH.

“If we don’t have it, we will try and find it,” Steffl said of the shop’s philosophy.

The Wishing Well held an open house and ribbon cutting earlier this month with the Martins Ferry Chamber of Commerce, which recently moved into office space at the Martins Ferry Recreation Center.

“We are excited to welcome the Wishing Well back into Martins Ferry. It is a unique shop that fills a void in the city. They have done a great job in selecting distinctive products that you just can’t find elsewhere,” said Paul Stecker, Martins Ferry Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors president.

Stecker noted the chamber still is looking for a director following the retirement of Dorothy Powell. Resumes and letters of interest can be mailed to 42 S. Fourth St., Martins Ferry, OH 43935.

“Like almost everyone, it has suffered from Covid, but once we can start holding meetings and fundraisers again it will come back just as strong,” Stecker said of the chamber.

The Wishing Well’s hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays; and closed Sundays and Mondays. Starting in December the shop will start having Monday hours, too. Call 740-738-0338 for more information.

EORH has been purchased by Dr. John Johnson, who also owns medical facilities in the Dayton area. Plans call for EORH to also reopen, possibly by the end of the year.