You know that feeling when you're flipping through channels and you see a guy with a thick German accent and a massive bankroll standing in front of a dusty locker? That’s Rene Nezhoda. Usually, his wife Casey is right there next to him, either steering him away from a bad bet or spotting a piece of jewelry that makes the whole trip worth it.
They weren't just characters on a screen. For millions of viewers, Rene and Casey of Storage Wars represented the "American Dream" with a side of grit and a lot of eBay shipping tape. But lately, things have looked a bit different for the "Bargain Hunters." If you’ve been keeping up with the show in 2026, you might have noticed their storefront isn't the same hub it used to be.
The Big Move: Why the Poway Store Closed
One of the biggest shocks for long-time fans was the closing of their 7,000-square-foot brick-and-mortar shop, Bargain Hunters Thrift Store, in Poway, California. It was iconic. You could literally walk in and see the stuff they’d won on TV.
So, why did they shut it down?
Honestly, it came down to the reality of doing business in a post-pandemic world. Around 2021, the lease was up, and Rene was pretty open about the fact that keeping a massive physical store open during lockdowns was a money pit. They didn't go broke—far from it. They just got smarter. They pivoted.
Instead of paying for a massive showroom, they shifted their focus heavily toward their eBay empire and YouTube. It was a strategic retreat. If you’re looking for them today, they aren't behind a counter in San Diego; they’re likely in one of their three massive warehouses or filming for their channel, which has grown into a powerhouse of its own.
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Still Bidding in 2026?
Yes, they are still very much in the game. While the cast of Storage Wars has rotated more than a revolving door, Rene and Casey have stayed remarkably consistent. Season 16, which kicked off in mid-2025, saw them returning to the lockers, though Casey has taken a bit of a step back to be a "semi-regular."
Rene often hits the auctions solo now, or sometimes with his father, Gunter.
It’s interesting to see the dynamic shift. On the show, Rene is known for his "big bankroll" strategy. He doesn't just bid; he tries to bully the price up to smoke out the "amateurs." It’s a polarizing move. Some fans love the aggression; others think he’s just being a "villain." But if you watch their YouTube videos, you see a much more relaxed side of them. They’re basically just a couple of pros who know exactly what a 1970s comic book is worth before the door is even halfway open.
Famous Finds and Big Scores
They’ve had some legendary wins that most bidders only dream of. We're talking about units that made international headlines.
- The Kobe Bryant Locker: They once purchased a unit containing items belonging to the late NBA legend.
- The Farrah Fawcett Unit: Another celebrity find that proved their "high-stakes" reputation wasn't just for the cameras.
- The Gran Torino: Rene once told a story about buying a Gran Torino fastback for a hundred bucks and flipping it for $12,000.
That’s the "hook" of the show, right? The idea that you can turn a Benjamin into a down payment on a house.
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The Reality of Reality TV
Is Storage Wars real? People ask this constantly.
Rene and Casey have always maintained that while the editing makes it look fast-paced, the buying and selling are very real. They’ve been doing this since long before the cameras showed up. Rene started reselling when he was practically a kid—around 11 years old. By 19, he was choosing between a corporate media job and digging through yard sales. He chose the hunt.
The tension you see on screen with other buyers like Ivy Calvin or Darrell Sheets? It’s mostly professional rivalry. In the reselling world, if someone outbids you on a "honey hole," they are literally taking food off your table. That’s where the spice comes from.
Life Off-Camera: Family and Poker
Away from the storage facilities, the Nezhodas lead a pretty private life compared to other reality stars. They’ve been married for nearly two decades. Their daughter, Tatiana, is occasionally mentioned but they’ve done a solid job of keeping her out of the chaotic reality TV spotlight.
Also, did you know Rene is a serious poker player?
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It makes sense. Bidding on a closed storage unit is basically a high-stakes game of Texas Hold'em. You're playing the players as much as the cards. You look for "tells"—is that a high-end furniture leg or just a piece of scrap wood? Rene uses those same psychological tactics at the poker table.
What You Can Learn from the Bargain Hunters
If you’re looking to get into the reselling game because of Rene and Casey of Storage Wars, here’s the cold, hard truth: it’s a grind.
- Inventory is King: Notice how Rene mentioned having 2,000 boxes of toys and 10,000 comic books? You can't sell from an empty wagon.
- The Pivot is Essential: When their physical store became a liability, they didn't quit. They moved to eBay and YouTube. If one platform dies, you need another.
- Know Your Niche: Rene’s knowledge of "vintage glass" or "casino chips" didn't happen overnight. He studied.
- Watch the Overhead: Big stores look cool, but warehouses and digital storefronts often have better margins.
The Nezhodas have proven that even when the "reality TV" fame eventually fades, a solid foundation in actual commerce keeps you afloat. They aren't just TV stars; they are liquidators who happened to get famous.
If you want to follow in their footsteps, start small. Don't go dropping $60,000 on a warehouse of bike helmets like Rene did recently unless you have the infrastructure to move them. Start with your own garage. List one item on eBay. See how it feels to ship a package and get a positive review. That’s the "hunt" that started it all for the Nezhodas, and it’s still the core of their business today.
Moving Forward with Your Reselling Journey
If you’re inspired by their story, the best next step is to research the current market values of items you already own using eBay's "Sold" listings. This gives you a realistic view of what things actually sell for, rather than just the "asking" price. Once you understand the data, you can start scouting local thrift stores or small auctions with more confidence. Keep an eye on Rene’s social media for updates on their latest warehouse finds—it’s a masterclass in identifying value in the middle of a mess.