South Minneapolis Black-owned thrift store creates space for healing and access

On the corner of 37th and Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis, just a block away from George Perry Floyd Square, a memorial site that has come to symbolize both grief and resilience, sits Thrifty Nifty, a Black-owned thrift store built on faith, perseverance and a deep commitment to the surrounding community.

For store owner Mary Ferguson, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, who grew up in South Minneapolis, opening and sustaining Thrifty Nifty has not been easy. Prior to relocating to Minneapolis, Thrifty Nifty was located in St. Paul, where Ferguson worked for years to build a steady customer base despite challenges with location and visibility.

“It was hard because I was in a corner. Then people would say, ‘I can’t see your sign. Where are you at?’ And then the parking was bad,” she said.

Limited parking and foot traffic made it difficult for Ferguson to sustain business, and over time, financial pressures began to pile up. Those challenges were heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic and the unrest and vandalism following the murder of George Floyd, ultimately forcing Ferguson to make the difficult decision to temporarily relocate her business.

“I couldn’t afford it, so I moved out,” she said.

Instead of closing her doors for good, Ferguson leaned on her faith, family and community support for a fresh start. Thrifty Nifty relocated to Minneapolis, closer to her family and in a neighborhood she felt called to serve.

“I didn’t give up,” she said.

Ferguson officially opened her Minneapolis location in December 2025, bringing not only years of experience but a renewed vision rooted in accessibility for all, a vision that traces back to her childhood. Growing up around yard sales and shopping at thrift stores, Ferguson experienced firsthand how affordable goods meet real-life needs.

“When I was young, we used to have yard sales and we used to have a lot of stuff. There were a lot of people coming to get the stuff for the low prices,” she said. “So I said I had so much stuff, I think I need to open up a thrift store. So I decided to save everything that I had.”

Over time, donations began to pile up, and clothes were stored in her home and in storage units until she could secure a business location.

Inside Thrifty Nifty today, racks filled with clothing for men, women and children line the space, alongside shoes, jewelry and boutique-styled apparel. What sets Thrifty Nifty apart from other thrift stores is its approach to pricing and purpose.

“I price them by what I can afford,” Ferguson said. “You know, like a pair of pants, $24 brand new tag still on them. That’s how they’re donating them to me. I’m selling it for $10.”

At a time when inflation is impacting everyone, Thrifty Nifty emphasizes quality and affordability. Ferguson sees her shop as an act of service to others in her community. If someone walks through her doors in need, she finds a way to help.

“As long as I see somebody come in here and need something, I got them. I’ll make it happen,” she said.

That commitment to service extends beyond clothing. Outside of Thrifty Nifty, Ferguson also leads a weekly recovery group called The Struggle is Over, providing a safe space for people navigating hardship and trauma to share their challenges and be reminded that they have a life beyond them.

“I just want people to feel that they do have a life out here, you know, because it’s a lot,” she said. “I call it, ‘The Struggle Is Over’ to let them know, we’re going through a lot of stuff right now, but that doesn’t mean the things that you’re going through can’t be over.”

Even with Thrifty Nifty’s strong mission, the business continues to face challenges, including limited visibility and the need for a stronger online presence. Ferguson said she is actively seeking community support to help build a website and expand awareness.

“I want to get big like the Goodwill’s, but I want to be Thrifty Nifty,” she said.

You can visit Thrifty Nifty at 3653 Chicago Ave in Minneapolis.

Lizzy Nyoike is a Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication student and contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.