Thrift Queen on Nord Avenue has closed after 20 years and another thrift store, Second Life, will soon be taking its place.

In a June 16 post on the Thrift Queen Facebook page, the store’s owner shared the news that she would be retiring. The post read, “After 20 successful years, I am retiring and selling the Thrift Queen!”

Second Life (stylized as 2econd Life) is not new to Chico, but is moving from its current location on East Avenue to Thrift Queen’s former location. Damien Herrera, the owner of Second Life, said his shop has been at its current location since he started the business two and a half years ago. He had been wanting to change locations for some time, but had been waiting until his business made it to two years. He decided to make this move because it would shorten his commute and he hopes being closer to campus will draw in more students.

He wants to open another shop in the future and his current business has fared reasonably well during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The business online didn’t stop, but foot traffic of course slowed down, but is picking back up,” Herrera said.

He also said that if it weren’t for the pandemic, he would not be moving his store. “I wasn’t in need of the location,” Herrera said. “I’ve been at my other location for two and a half years comfortably. This is all new and only because of COVID. COVID pushed her (the owner of Thrift Queen) out of business … I wouldn’t have been able to get this location if it wasn’t for her going out of business.”

According to Second Life’s Instagram, customers can avoid shopping in-store by browsing the store’s online inventory and getting items shipped directly.

Second Life will be moving to its new location at 641 Nord Ave. on Oct. 1. Shoppers can follow Second Life’s Instagram (@we_the_best_thrift) and their Facebook page, “2econd Life.” 
Kelsey Ogle can be reached at [email protected]