Owner of impactful Nanaimo thrift store retiring

“It’s a really good deal,” Bezeau said with a warm smile.

Ironically, the largest single-day cash donation Bezeau made was $30,000 in 2022.

Visibly moved by imminently parting ways with his passion project, supporting dozens of local non-profits and people in need quickly became hallmarks of the unassuming store on Seventh St. at Bruce Ave.

“There’s been hundreds that have been coming in here in the last couple of days crying and not wanting to see this store go. I’m physically not capable of doing it anymore, I’m doing it on my own — it’s very hard on my knees and my body.”

Bezeau said helping others in need has been a blessing. “I love this city,” he said. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Bezeau estimates he’s donated in the range of $500,000 in store profits to bolster non-profits from the still filled with clothes, shoes, houseware items, books, electronics and sports equipment among other items at cheap prices.

Becoming a second-hand store owner was an unexpected venture for Bezeau.

He put his own stamp in establish a locally focused, rebranded thrift store when the previous owners moved on.

After working a labour intensive job for 45 years in Nanaimo, Bezeau had enough grinding on his hands and knees.

“I thought ‘well my knees are tired of doing ceramic tile, lets see what I can do.’ My first cheque went to Boys and Girls club for $300, I’ll never forget it, then after that it just ballooned.”

Supporting school, music, sports teams, as well as a variety of other community based organizations assisting children and their families are among causes favoured by Bezeau.

He estimates over 60 organizations have received cheques from Deni’s Dynamite Deals.

“In eight years to have just a few people that don’t look me is actually pretty darn good because there’s hundreds of people who come through here.”

Diana T was among a rush of bargain hunters at Bezeau’s shop on Monday morning.

The longtime customer appreciates everything he’s done for the community.

“That’s huge, he’s been doing this for years. Whether they’re homeless or people that need a turkey for Christmas…He is always giving back and then some.”

It has changed hands several times over many years, but the latest run under the generous watch of Deni Bezeau has made significant financial contributions to many organizations and people. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW.)

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by Ian Holmes

Owner of impactful Nanaimo thrift store retiring

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