Nifty Things

$$$$
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(17)

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143 E Front St
Traverse City, MI 49684
It started out as an idea Create a Gift Store unlike any other where shoppers are exposed to products that they have never seen before and all have a certain "wow factor". That is how the Nifty Things! concept was born. In 2005 Doug and Martee Hickman moved from Metropolitan Detroit to the northern woods of "Up North" Michigan. Both had worked in Corporate America for most of their careers and had extensive retail and food service credentials. A friend of Doug's owned a Model Train Company that was exhibiting at the Atlanta Gift Show and invited Doug and Martee to join him in Atlanta. He was trying to figure out if the Gift market was right for his products and asked Doug and Martee to scout out the entire Show to see "just how the Gift Industry works". After interviewing dozens of Gift Vendors it was apparent that Doug's friend's business was not a good fit for the Atlanta Show. However, it was during this time that Doug and Martee got the "bug" to make their Nifty Things! concept a reality. The first Nifty Things! store was only 450 sq. ft. in size. It opened in April of 2006 in Alden, Michigan located on the shores of Torch Lake, regarded as one of the three most beautiful lakes in the world! Nifty Things! store is located directly across the street from Alden's Mill House, a world-renowned Spice and Kitchen store that draws hundreds of customers every day to buy their spices and kitchen gadgets. Back then Doug and Martee were the sales staff as well as the buyers, bill payers, janitors and wore any other hat that needed to be worn. It only took a few weeks to realize more staff was needed to handle the waves of customers showing up at our door each and every day. The "Nifty" concept was a success and the "word" got out quickly.

Reviews

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3.017 reviews
Photo of Amy M.
Amy M.
10/14/2012

Perfect name for this store. It is honestly filled with so many nifty things! We spent quite a bit of time wandering through here looking at everything! Definitely a great place to find gifts!

Photo of Marissa C.
Marissa C.
7/8/2023

Cute gift shop packed full of great selections! There was so much to look at: kitchen stuff, souvenirs, magnets, artwork, lake themed items, jewelry, and more. Staff was friendly.

Linda W.
9/22/2024

The things in there are very cool. The only negative thing I have to say is the sales gals were nice, but followed you around like you were a thief. . An older lady, spiky gray hair...I found her...

Jeffrey D.
8/28/2024

The terrible management on top of the cheap, over priced, backyard made junk is sad honestly. I've been to the goodwill and Salvation Army that has had better quality items for sale. The older...

Ashley L.
8/27/2024

Horrible manager here. Took our well behaved kids here and she screamed at my son for picking up a garden decoration (flamingo). Ended up going back to speak with her about how she talks to...

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