A2Z Thrift Store

I really dig this flea market-​cum-​convenience store on Riverside drive. They’re my go-​to location to buy (gasp) a pack of Camels when I don’t feel like driving the full mile to Eblin gas station.
The A2Z staff is a family. If I were to hazard a guess, I’d say these A2Z folks seem like one of the original mountain families of Asheville, while the Eblin folks are more transplanted tie-​died hippie white guys with dreadlocks who have degrees in literature and are working at a gas station to pay the bills.
You can get a hunting/​fishing license at A2Z, get some bug spray, buy some dusty old electronics in their «10,000 square foot antiques shop,» get a frosty Nestle King Cone, a «purple» flavored lollipop (if you have a sweet tooth), and get some nice stale ramen and cold local beer for later. It’s like the old convenience stores of my youth, like Ralph’s «pretty good» Grocery (which, although fictionalized by Garrison Keillor was an actual store in Durham, back in the day before good olé Ralph passed away).
They’re always super friendly and kind. It’s really a neighborhood place, and I love saying hi to them whenever I get the chance. You won’t get much more local than this.
Atmosphere: musty, authentic
Prices: reasonable
Customer service: top notch
Merchandise: yard sale finds, fresh ciggies, stale ramen.
Gas: nope
Bathroom: Maybe?! I don’t dare ask.

I love thrift stores. MAN! you can find some crazy stuff. This place is no different, and huge. There are multiple rooms with everything and the kitchen sink. Literally. I saw two kitchen sinks sitting outside of one of the side rooms. It is worth the trip just to see their DVD and video cassette collection. It is like traveling back in time.
Oh, and the kicker is they are also a convenience store. So yuns grab a 40 and do yer sherpin!