June 5, 2024

The Green Penny, a curated vintage store, is relocating to a new space above Sushi Masa in downtown Sioux Falls.

Owner Aftyn Janzen will open the store on First Friday, June 7, at 423 S Phillips Ave., including a 6 p.m. dedication.

“It all started after I made a life change,” Janzen said. “And I’ve always collected vintage, so I decided to give it a go at selling items in 2020.”

Janzen previously sold vintage clothes in the Jones421 building on Philips Avenue.

“At the beginning I did a lot of pop-ups, and I’ve been in and out of Instagram,” Janzen said. “But I really enjoy in-person sales and that interaction a lot more.”

Janzen said she is excited to have more space and variety at the new location. At the Jones421 building, Janzen sold clothes exclusively, and now she can expand the vintage options.

“This will be my first brick-and-mortar that is entirely The Green Penny,” Janzen said. “With more space, I now have clothes for all sizes, which I’m very adamant about, home decor, and small furniture.”

Janzen said she has a particular passion for selling clothing with inclusive sizes. She explained that “vintage typically skews very small,” so she keeps 2X, 3X, 4X, and 5X sizes in stock with all body types in mind. The Green Penny has both adult and children’s vintage clothing.

Janzen has a background in the small business community. She described herself as a ‘right hand-man’ for local businesses throughout the years in Lincoln, Nebraska. Janzen also works in gardening and landscaping and plans to have plants and cuttings in The Green Penny.

“Having my store wasn’t something I thought I’d end up doing, but it came organically,” Janzen said.

The new space above Sushi Masa has “good bones,” she continued, and “translates well for vintage items.” Janzen said the longevity of a physical space is exciting and she hopes to stay on Philips longer than her two-year lease.

“Some people think I travel far and wide to find these vintage items,” Janzen said. Instead, she said items often catch her eye at local garage or estate sales and she can carefully look through items to sell.

Why go with vintage items?

It benefits the earth, your wallet, and honestly, your style,” Janzen said.

“It is amazing to hear the stories about the items when I find them. Vintage items are very detailed in how they were designed and it’s a never-ending market.”

Janzen also loves to help with styling when it comes to clothing.

“The clothing part is a dream job. I tend to be a hands-on person and if you ask for my opinion I am more than happy to do it,” she said. “In my short time at the other building a girl bought her wedding dress from me which was super special.

Janzen plans to have The Green Penny open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and potentially Thursdays. She said she is happy to open other days for styling appointments.

“I brought in my dog today, the space is starting to feel like home,” she said. “It has beautiful sunlight and I’m anxious to have more people get their eyes on it!”