Valued Nanaimo thrift store saved

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Matthew Mikolas and Khyara Hiles recently received the keys to Nostalgia Nook, formally Deni’s Dynamite Deals.

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“I won’t be able to touch the same level that Deni did, but I want to keep it going and I want to reach out and get in touch with more people in the community because this is my community as well,” Mikolas told NanaimoNewsNOW.

A grand opening event was staged on Friday, July 3 for Nostalgia Nook, with donations generated throughout the day for Nanaimo Foodshare Society.

In addition to community service, Mikolas said the store will deviate slightly inventory-wise with the addition of collectables and antique items added for sale.

Donations of inventory will continue to be accepted.

While some higher ticket items will be available, Mikolas said the affordable reputation the store is known for will continue, adding it’s their intention to be longtime owners.

Prior owner Deni Bezeau stopped by Friday afternoon.

He said following his plea for a new owner or the shop would shut down, he was relieved to see several interested suitors step up.

“It was a really good eight years that I had here, I enjoyed it and do miss it in ways, but Matthew is going to be an amazing person for this store,” Bezeau told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Hiles said she and Matthew both grew up in south Nanaimo and have always loved thrift shopping.

“We live a block away from here and plan on keeping his legacy alive as much as humanly possible and giving back to our community.”

As for prior informal bartering sales system Deni’s Dynamite Deals was known for, Hiles said most items will eventually be priced.

“We’re going to start with bigger items and have prices on them. We’re going to snowball and slowly to get as much as possible.”

Nostalgia Nook continues it’s long history of a thrift store on Seventh and Bruce in Harewood. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Thrift shopping and re-using items is generating increased interest with consumers mindful of financial pressures, aiding local non-profit causes and environmental responsibility.

A thrift store closure on Albert St. in 2024 led to widespread disappointment as the Friends of Haven Thrift Shop filled an important role in a low-income neighbourhood.

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