Random House

I hate that Random House is obviously so overlooked. When I went to OU, other students would always ask me where I got some poster or piece of furniture, and when I’d say Random House, they had no idea what I was talking about.
Anyway, this place is pretty fun to poke around in, and I think most of the stuff is reasonably priced. I’ve found some fun end tables, posters and other odds and ends here. It’s definitely a place you have to navigate with caution — and don’t bring your stumbling grandmother, a mistake I once made — but it’s a fun way to spend 20 or 30 minutes, even if you’re not looking to buy anything.
Be sure to check out the old (used) postcards at the front, which are SUPER cheap and great if you’re into voyeurism and old-​school penmanship/​correspondence. Bonus: If the right person is working, you CAN haggle with them, unlike Athens Underground.
One more thing: There used to be old papier mache heads here from what I think was probably a production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. My friends and I would always put them on and walk around the store, but we could never talk ourselves into actually buying them. Then one day they were gone, and I just want to say I hope they went to a good home.

I have to disagree with the previous reviewer. Every time I walk by this shop I’m overcome with the desire to create a presentation that might help the owner understand the difference between antiques and used, thrift store junk. I think the prices are terrible… and I find it odd that the place has managed to stay in business for as long as it has.

My husband and I find ourselves drawn like moths to a zapper lamp to this crazy little store. Me for furniture and retro do-​dads, him for electronic equipment from the 70’s. The man who owns it is a character, in his own quiet way, and he is always up to make a bargain. This is one of those antique stores with teetering piles, and barely any room to move. You have to poke around, there is no other way to look at things. Everything in here is CHEAP for what it is. I dare you to go to another vintage-​antique store in a bigger city and find stuff at these prices.