In an Upper Port Jefferson storefront already known for being a thrift shop, a former employee has taken over the business and renamed it The Garage Sale.
Amid a steady flow of customers on Tuesday afternoon, George Lyzak Jr. said he's got plans to revamp it into more than just a thrift store -- he'll sell cards, comics, antiques, coins and other collectibles, in addition to doing consignment sales and selling recycled and reclaimed items. Lyzak, who said he is a master carpenter, said he expects the revamped business to be done by August 1.
When the previous owner, "Pops" Capone, passed away, Lyzak bought the business.
"I always liked to go to thrift stores," he said. "Every time, you see something different."
He's got a hand-made sign out front, one that he and his girlfriend made together for around $100 -- much better than the $1,500 quote a professional sign maker gave him.
He said he is enjoying running a business so far.
"It's a lot of work but I like it," said Lyzak, a 1991 graduate of nearby Ward Melville High School. "Long Island is known for loving garage sales. ... People like it. They keep coming in."
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