A family hobby has evolved into a new business at a historic 1928 building in downtown Greeley.
In February, Nifty Thriftyz quietly opened its doors at 1008 8th Ave. under the ownership of a friendly family.
Owners of the new Nifty Thriftyz store from left: Justin Chittenden, Bill Cannon and Robin Cannon stand in front of the business located at 1008 8th Ave. in Greeley on June 6, 2025.(Jim Rydbom/Staff Photographer)The structure, once home to past businesses like a tattoo parlor, a paint store and a pet shop, now has thousands of secondhand items and collectibles inside, nearly all sourced by a family with an eye for treasures and a love for the hunt.
From the exterior entrance to the second floor, the new addition to downtown Greeley’s retail selection is a unique location with clothing and accessories, tools, furniture, knick-knacks, comics and one-of-a-kind antiques.
Before Nifty Thriftyz found a forever home, Justin Chittenden and his parents, Bill and Robin Cannon, embarked on a family pursuit of buying and reselling collectibles. The side hustle started at Kersey Days, an annual summer event, before extending into flea markets around Weld County. The owners then started renting out a parking lot in west Greeley for pop-up sales in the spring and summer.
Nifty Thriftyz owner Bill Cannon looks through one of the display cases while inside the local store located at 1008 8th Ave. in Greeley on June 5, 2025.(Jim Rydbom/Staff Photographer)The ongoing set-up and clean-up inspired Chittenden and his parents to seek out a permanent space in a prime location, roping in his sister Ellie Hess and her husband, Andrew Hess.
Now, the five owners can give Nifty Thriftyz customers the feel of a “nostalgic thrift store,” but with a unique flair, according to Chittenden.
He hopes the secondhand store will change the perspective of those who view thrift stores in a negative light — with common criticisms including places being crammed, overcrowded and dirty with hiked-up prices to boot.
“We’re a different animal,” Chittenden said. “It’s not your typical secondhand thrift store, but it’s a mesh of two different genres going on.”
Customers walk through the Nifty Thriftyz store that recently opened in downtown Greeley on Thursday June 5, 2025.(Jim Rydbom/Staff Photographer)The store’s owners source and purchase their merchandise by going to garage sales, storage unit auctions and connecting with people looking to part ways with their belongings. And that hunt is all part of the fun.
The bunch has snagged hidden gems and rare vintage finds available for purchase in their store, like military gear from the 1940s and a clown piggy bank dating back to the 1920s or 1930s.
A variety of items sit for sale at the new Nifty Thriftyz store in downtown Greeley on Thursday June 5, 2025.(Jim Rydbom/Staff Photographer)But at the end of the day, the nifty family works to ensure their quests fulfill the niche interests of their customers. Chittenden calls this having an “eye” for what people want to see in the store, but Robin said it also means having an “ear” — listening to shoppers — for what they like and what they want to see more of.
Luckily, now that Nifty Thriftyz operates out of a building, the owners have a system of keeping track of the highest-selling items.
“Before, we were guessing at it to some degree, but now we can be a little bit more streamlined,” Chittenden said. “And it varies weekly. Last week, I think our highest item was tools, and who knows what it will be this week.”
In addition to a quest for discoveries that appeal to their customer base, about 1% of the store’s offerings come from donations. And, unlike most secondhand stores, Nifty Thriftyz works with consignors to sell their products.
Tons of movies and books line the shelves of the Nifty Thriftyz store at 1008 8th Ave. in Greeley on June 5, 2025. The store is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am-6pm.(Jim Rydbom/Staff Photographer)Recognized by reviewers for its organized and clean space, the family also prioritizes keeping reasonable and affordable prices, according to Bill. The owners welcome patrons to negotiate prices, too.
“Our prices, for the most part, are what the average person can afford,” Bill said
Nifty Thriftyz has seen early success as the store has drawn people from the east side of town, nearby Weld County communities and even Denver and Cheyenne. Part of the appeal, according to Chittenden: “There isn’t another store like it in downtown.”
Comic books are some of the items that the Nifty Thriftyz offers for sale at the local business at 1008 8th Ave. in Greeley on June 5, 2025.(Jim Rydbom/Staff Photographer)When residents or visitors come to downtown looking for an activity outside of a meal or nightlife, Nifty Thriftyz catches people’s attention because of limited retail shopping experiences in the area, Chittenden added. The store’s name also stands out — the reason he landed on the label.
Nifty Thriftyz’s new summer hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every Tuesday-Saturday. Greeley-Evans School District 6, University of Northern Colorado and Aims Community College students get a 20% discount on all purchases.
The new business will host an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with refreshments at 3 p.m. Tuesday.
For more information on Nifty Thriftyz or to catch a glimpse of what’s in-store, go to niftythriftyz.com.
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