New Shop, Yard Thriftique, A Trove of Treasures Old and New

SOUTHOLD, NY — John Dinizio, who lives in Greenport, has always loved collecting. Bottles, books, glass — anything that catches his eye and that he hasn't come across before, inspires dreams and imagination.

And now, Dinizio, who owns Dinizio Plumbing & Heating, has taken his passion for finding treasures and parlayed it into a brand-new business, Yard Thriftique, in Southold.

"If I like something or find it interesting, I add it to my collection," Dinizio said. "I love seeing and learning about what other people enjoy collecting and why they collect it. So this is a good outlet for that. A way to share in people's love for collecting or finding things they like — including finding good quality for a good price."

The shop is a must for those who love yard sales and thrift shops, filled with treasures such as bottles, clothing — including new or like new baby and kid clothes — furniture from antique to modern with more coming, baseball cards, old bottles, Barbies in their original, unopened boxes, shoes, nautical items, lights and lamps, also old to newer, china, records, DVDs and other collectibles.

Comics and other new items will be added constantly.

And Yard Thriftique is also the place to come if a person has been searching for a hard to find must have, Dinizio said.

"If people are looking for something specific that we don't have we are taking names and contact information so if and when I find it for them, I can let them know. The hunt is a huge part of the fun for me."

Dinizio's vision for the new business is ever evolving. "I have ideas and hopes but nothing is set in stone. I want to get a feel for what people are looking for and let that guide our growth."

Breathing a new beginning into pieces from the past holds great meaning for Dinizio.

"Things aren't made like they used to be. Most of the 'new' things we buy today are not made to fix or to last. 'They don't make things like they used to' is more true now than ever before," Dinizio said. "The old dusty, rusted, dirty or wobbly 'garbage' is the hidden treasure. New life is what makes it treasure. Uncovering the craftsmanship for others to see is fun."

He added, "It's not for everyone but once people see the treasure hiding underneath the 'garbage' they can appreciate its character."

A family effort

The new business is a family collaboration, Dinizio said.

He and his wife Gloria, who live in Greenport, are a blended family, with three teenage daughters, Taylor, Grace, and Tabina and a son, AJ, who is four years old.

"They've all kicked in and sacrificed in helping make this happen. Even my incredibly talented 14 year old niece, Kaylee — sorry Kay, but you're way too modest — kicked in by painting an amazing, 30+ feet long mural of a few local landmarks with our slogan that greets guests when they walk in. That alone is worth a visit to see," Dinizio said.

The slogan, "Things that are old, things that are new, nothing that's borrowed, and there's always something that's blue," resonates in the shop, bursting with finds.

Without the whole family's dedication, giving their time and energy without question, "none of this would've been possible. This was truly a team effort and I'm sure they don't know how much I appreciate all they've done to help," Dinizio said.

Southold, Dinizio said, is the ideal location for the new venture. "It's in the middle of two great shopping areas. We have an easy access location on the main road with zero parking issues. It's a great location just east of Port of Egypt marina."

Beginning on Saturday, the shop will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

"But, more often than not, someone will be there later," Dinizio said. "If the lights are on and the 'open' flag is in our windows feel free to stop in. If I'm there, we are open."

Down the line, within the next few weeks, Dinizio hopes to offer even larger furniture pieces in the other half of the space.

A dream come true

For Dinizio, the shop is a dream realized, a chance to share his thrill in collecting with others.

Reflecting one the best thing he's ever found at a yard or tag sale, he said, "I've found so many cool things I'd be lying if I named one thing as the best for me. Last summer my wife and I picked up an outdoor play set for our son at a yard sale in Southold for our son. So I think if you asked AJ what it was, he'd say that was it."

Each perfect find, every dusty treasure unearthed, represents a deep tie to the faces and memories of yesterday carried forever in hearts, Dinizio said.

The "found" pieces that people cherish most, he said, "are a part of, or related to, a love or passion that's no longer there for them. For me, I grew up fishing commercially with my dad. He passed away 15 years ago this October. In a way, things that were his or a part of what he did keeps him here with us. It's a way to show my girls who he was and what he was. It's comforting and helps to fill the empty space that was left when cancer took him from all of us."

Yard Thriftique is located at 62300 Main Road in Southold. For additional information, email YardThriftique@gmail.com.