FORT LUPTON – Sometimes the best bargains come as second hand, thrifty purchases found in thrift shops. Other times, collectors seek bargains in shops that specialize in their passion, deciding that the best deal is the one that nets exactly the hard-to-find item they seek, without the hassle of searching far and wide. Now, shoppers in Fort Lupton have a spot that provides a little of both.

    Flip ‘n Flop Use It Again Shop is a surprisingly eclectic blend of repurposed goods and new keepsakes, ranging from classic and antique items like Red Wing China to current collectibles like Painted Ponies and NASCAR memorabilia. The broad inventory is the result of years in the collectible and estate sales business of co-owner Erin Micciche who, along with wife Jessie and mother-in-law Bonnie Pemberton, opened the shop just after the first of the year, taking the storefront formerly held by The Potted Plant.
    “I have been in business since I was 18,” Micciche offered, explaining some of the store’s mix.  “I have done Stuffed Chest Gifts and Collectibles; I’ve done Colorado NASCAR. We had a Colorado NASCAR shop. This is our third one.”
    Some of the store’s merchandise springs from those endeavors, while new infusions arrive courtesy of estate sales and other means of procurement to keep the shelves full and varied. But no consignments sales, which Micciche says are simply not worth the bother for him. “We have a lot of people ask us that, but no, it’s a huge hassle for us.”
    The shop is the result of a different sort of search in the area, winding up with a spot for the business, but not for the family as of yet.
    “We were actually looking for a house, which we still are. Fort Lupton has welcomed us with open arms,” Micciche said. “It’s very nice to be down here and in business.”
    If you go, be sure to take your wallet. Micciche, intent on keeping his margins low, doesn’t take credit cards or checks, cash only.
    “That is the only downfall we have,” Micciche said. “Average tickets for the last two days have been $8. So, if I’m running $8 through the machine, I’m going to lose on that. For each debit card, it’s 25 cents, then another $3 to $5 on top of that.”
    Micciche says they will be bringing in some select diamonds for sale, along with the collectible coins already in the case.
    “NASCAR, we are bringing in the top-five drivers (memorabilia) for 2012,” Micciche said. “We are not going to be a full-blown NASCAR shop, but we will offer the top five drivers.”
    Even if only to browse, shoppers are sure to find something of interest in Flip ‘N Flop
    “We fashion ourselves on the unique,” Micciche said.  “I have an eye for good things, and when I see them I pick them up.”

Contact Staff Writer Gene Sears at gsears@metrowestnewspapers.com