Thriftopia opens in Blackfoot and has special curated items that you need to check out
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BLACKFOOT — A new business where anyone can find hand-picked special items has opened its doors in Blackfoot.
Thriftopia, located at 123 West Bridge Street, had a grand opening last week and was welcomed by the community. There are three owners: Martin Smith, Stephanie Flores and Jessica Lewis. Each of them has different interests that have been brought to the shop.
“Martin specializes in sports memorabilia and autographs. He has been in the thrift world for 30 years. Stephanie curates all these really awesome agates, crystals, and gemstones,” Lewis said. “I specialize in jewelry and kind of like top-name brand purses, accessories, sunglasses and perfume.”
Lewis said Thriftopia will be Blackfoot’s “curated thrifting experience.” She has shipments from all over, including Florida, California, Utah, Nevada, Boise, and more.
“I love good items. I call them gems. I love sifting through all of the miscellaneous and then seeing that shining example of a perfect gem pop out. Then…I bring them back and offer them to the community in Blackfoot,” she said.
Lewis shared Thriftopia’s brand story with EastIdahoNews.com and explained what people can expect.
“Thriftopia aims to provide the community with high-quality, pre-owned goods at a fraction of the price of new.
Offering a greener option, aside from the wasteful ways of fast fashion and the endless cycle of new-to-trash consumerism. Thrift stores and other reuse initiatives keep billions of pounds from landfills each year, and Thriftopia will contribute to those numbers.
Thriftopia values quality, well-made items, materials, collectibles, and home goods. We see value in keeping things nice and reusing them. Sourcing high-quality items, we will provide Blackfoot and the eastern Idaho region with Thriftopia, your curated thrifting experience.”
She said that she wants to give back to the community, too. Thriftopia will contribute to special programs throughout eastern Idaho.
“We’re going to be offering assistance to those in need on a private basis. If somebody has a request for clothing, especially kids, we are going to do all that we can to help individuals in need,” Lewis said.
The thrift store accepts donations.
The business will additionally provide fun classes twice a month. A jewelry mosaic art class is coming up on Saturday, March 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It costs $35 to cover materials.
Everyone gets to take home a beautiful art piece, Lewis said. Kids are welcome, and there will be a special bracelet-making project for them to participate in. Registration is encouraged at least a week ahead by texting (208) 776-2442.
“We’re going to upcycle frequently donated items into some things that are usable, that’s giftable, and that’s trending,” she said. “I am enthusiastically looking forward to getting involved with the community.”
Thriftopia is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 pm.
