Nothing beats putting all my little stuff on my many little shelves in a super cozy shop sim like Thrifty Business
PC Gamer
by Lauren Morton February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Thrifty Business, an upcoming cozy shop simulation game, offers a laid-back experience focused on organizing and curating items in a charming, pixel-art style store. Unlike traditional management sims, the game emphasizes creative arrangement of objects, with tags like "kitchen" or "vintage" helping players categorize their wares. The demo allows players to experiment with arranging items such as vintage kitchen ceramics or y2k backpacks, while also hosting events and interacting with regular customers. This hands-on approach to decorating shelves and creating a cohesive store aesthetic is the game’s main appeal, catering to fans of games like Potion Craft and Tiny Bookshop.
The game’s design sim roots are evident in its focus on organizing mystery boxes of used items, which players can sort and display as they see fit. Players can earn profit by selling these items but without the stress of min-maxing or rushing customers—instead, the emphasis is on creating a visually pleasing store environment. The demo includes events like grand openings and queer dating nights, providing opportunities to showcase your organizing skills and engage with the community.
Spellgarden Games has big plans for Thrifty Business in 2026, including character customization, more story-driven content, photo mode, and interactive objects. While the game is currently in development, its focus on creativity and relaxation makes it a must-try for fans of life simulation and cozy management games. The ability to sink hours into arranging items and creating a unique store atmosphere offers a therapeutic escape from more intense gaming experiences.
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/20/2026