Random House — Local services in Athens

I like it.

My first visit to Athens, and I found Random House randomly - I nearly drove by. The shop has a low-key curb presence, is clean and cluttered -and as some have said, musty - because it is in an old Athens building and BECAUSE IT IS FULL OF PRE-OWNED MERCH.

It's an old-fashioned Midwestern shop of the sort we found across American in the 1960s and late 20th C - and considered edgey!

In one front bay you'll see furniture - some antique, some MCM, some upholstered pieces blocking a fine display of early-20th Century ceramic Wall Pockets; across the aisle, glass cases of iocal jewelry, some lovely pieces of indigenous artifacts, odd little bits of silver & vintage traditional costume accessories - there's more vintage pottery & glass (Fiesta Ware to Royal Bayreuth) .

A right turn takes you to recordings, framed art, gorgeous serigraphs by Athens artist Jack Sullivan (and crazy good prices - I bought two of them, signed and numbered.), an homage to RBG again, priced for easy acquisition) - some vintage bits of rescued art.

Next turn finds kids' stuff-both vintage & recent - wooden school chairs, games; vintage clothes & some noticeable shoes... If you like to forage & browse & rummage, you are in a good place.

If you want a fancy antique shop with curated merchandise, go to the suburbs or to Columbus. Here, you'll find friendly staff & conversation.in an Athens heritage building, and merchandise arranged like you'd expect from a store called...

This is a double storefront so there is much space to look through. The musty, old, dirty order is very prominent throughout the store. I wouldn’t call this an antique store as it is more of a thrift store. Like an indoor garage sale but not as good of prices. I believe the prices are a little too high for the items and some item conditions are not what you expect to be sold in a store. The store needs to be more organized. Also I’ve never been watched like I was in this store. He was more concerned with his personal phone conversation than customers. But he did get out of his chair to get up and watch as I looked at items while I was heading to exit, yet still on the phone. I’d skip this place. Not worth it. Go to some yard/garage sales or a flea market. You’ll probably get a better deal and...

Caesar is "JIM" the owner. He calls the shots. He is my friend. My home is filled with his items. He is trustworthy, stable business practice, and someone I know well enough to recommend in our Athens, Ohio community of students and academics then the PhD crew who all enjoy Random House for they know Jim can find or remember what they seek. I have known Jim for 21 years and he helped me furnish my home when I moved here. Thank you Google for allowing me to say the truth about a friend of mine who is a good businessman and leader in the Athens community. My alumnus '09' #ohioFOREVER 1804 Ohio University. I'm Kevin C. he will know me and maybe give you...