Rocket a Go~Go — Local services in Tempe

There are probably others but this place is so situationally correct(inside the Hidden Gem that is the plaza on the SW corner of South Mill and Southern) that it -and its neighbors- gave me occasional deja vu episodes but based on actual memories.

It's kitch in all the comforting ways, with (take the skinheads) bowling shirts, lots of punkabilly chick wear and a decent selection of handmade silver jewelry and tons of gaud.

The staff was a courteous and busy set; each one a likely pre-customer whose employee discount is now some seriously inexpensive and totally legit, walking-talking multimedia advertising for the place. They are probably indifferent, regardless; the decent sort who couldn't deal in that with which they don't agree. I have no insight into their structure and if you told me they all held equal share of the place, I would organically believe it; each worked with that casuality of the truly vested.*

Sign says that they buy your retro. I didn't follow up, because I was starting to feel like the older geek that I am (and I wanted to leave before any of the staff discovered their inner eye-roller). I would imagine one would opt for this, as opposed to Migratory Grazer Exchange, right?

Right?!?!

I had a double-5 day yesterday and it launched at Rocket.

*(Yes; I do raise gmo English Language lexicon. But it's healthy. The OED lists the best every year. Casuality. Because casualness doesn't sound...

I stumbled upon this store totally by accident a few weeks ago and let me just say, I am so glad I did! This is not your normal thrift store. This is not like another goodwill where all their employees look miserable. I’ve worked retail for about 15 years, so customer service is extremely important to me. With two kids in tow, I was greeted by the most friendly, upbeat employees I’ve ever seen! You could tell that they truly enjoyed working there! The store has a rock/pop/contemporary vibe to it, filled with all the classics such as The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, even a little Blink 182 in the mix. The nostalgia was strong! The prices in this store are very reasonable, just looking at all of the things they have is an adventure in itself. While shopping (and handling two kids at the same time) one of the employees came up to me and interacted with my children, which as a mom carrying loud kids everywhere with me, I very much appreciated. Come to find out, this employee was the owner! What a wonderful woman. All the other employees conversated with customers like they’ve known each other for years. The environment is so relaxed, non judgemental, the “save haven” of consignment shops, it you will. I can’t say enough good things about this place, and if I could give More than 5 stars, I absolutely would. Keep doing your thing ladies! Your amazing customer service and people skills is what customers like me...

I love this store! Both of the owners/buyers are fantastic. The staff is always friendly, knowledgeable of the merchandise, and attentive. A few years ago, I decided to primarily try to wear 1950s style clothing. I also prefer to buy used clothing. Therefore, I had trouble finding it....Until I found this store...!! I find something fantastic to wear every time I’m here. I currently own 10 dresses, and 4 purses that I have purchased here. One of them, it is a gorgeous locally made Spiderman handbag. Another is a hard hand bag by the company Sourpuss. These purses were bought brand new, and at very low prices. I also bought four different styles of cat eyeglasses. I have trouble finding cat eyeglasses that look good on me, but this store has such a huge selection, that I finally found some. There is a ton of jewelry, and T-shirts (not necessarily vintage- just “cool”) for men and women. I found a mint condition really cool Jansport backpack here. I bought my stepson a cool belt here. I could go on and on....!! Long story short: this store is worth stopping and checking out. BTW, the store also buys. I have sold vintage clothing that didn’t fit me, or designer clothing that I just didn’t want to give to Goodwill here, for trade and cash. They give very reasonable trade...