Two former city slickers have opened The 302 Thrift Shop in Dolores.

Michael Williams and Melissa Miller moved to the area a few years ago from the Cincinnati and Baltimore areas.

“We love the slower pace and relaxed attitude of Colorado’s smaller towns,” Miller said.

The couple’s eye for reusable goods led to such a large collection that they opened up shop in Dolores, at 302 Central Ave., tucked in between the brewery and the Dolores General Store.

“Business has been picking up. We have a little bit of everything,” Williams said.

He repairs items into working order and guarantees that they work “or your money back.”

The shop has a large variety of practical stuff, including lots of used tools, clothing, toys, sport equipment, videos, appliances, kitchen supplies, crafts, knives and artwork.

Williams, who also owns Michaels Custom Designs, makes knives out of antlers. Miller sells her photography and creates practical and stylish items out of wood, including a lantern holder, a table, and picture and business card holders.

They said they love repurposing old stuff and giving it new life. But it is the personal interaction with the community that makes it fun. “I love to barter and meet different people,” Williams said. “The other day, a woman needed shoes and traded us a dream catcher for them.”

Before you throw away usable or restorable items, give the 302 Thrift Shop a call or drop by – they just might take if off your hands for cash or trade.

“As the saying goes, ‘We buy, sell and trade,’” Williams said. “We love the small-town, friendly feel of Dolores.”

The shop is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is (513) 426-1478.