This had to be the weirdest thrift store experience I have ever had. We were drawn to the shop by google and the zen name & signs out front. At first we thought it was closed because all of the lights were off. But the main door was unlocked and we entered. There was 3 people sitting at the table in the middle of the store - they stared us down but didn't say a word. We wondered the entire store which was primarily books, movies/dvds/VHS & furniture, with a few odds and ends. I think my definition of "gift store" is different than theirs because I didn't see much that I would categorize in that department. The odor in this store was the usual thrift store aroma, with a splash of...something very unpleasant. We saw what looked like a music venue in the back with a few guys talking really loudly from that area. After wondering the store, we started to work our way to the front when one of the gentleman practically ran to follow us out. When we looked back at him, he pulled out his key and dangled it indicating he was locking the door behind us, still not saying a single word to us. Out of probably 5 people in that store, not a single one said anything to us. If they were closed, they should have locked the door behind them - it was Saturday late morning.... I would label this more as a used book/music/movie store. I definitely won't waste my time here again. Such a weird experience! read more

If you're looking for a retro beatnik kinda feel music venue with contemporary artists this is your place. Not fancy by any means but a perfect place to practice your musical art. Non judgmental, nice folks, you got the picture. Couches, beer and wine, pizza too. Come by just hear hear the artists. And Carson City has a vibrant and excellent music scene. Open mic on Fridays too. In the thrift store there are wonderful treasures. Very eclectic mix of music memorabilia, fun retro stuff. See ya there! read more

It's throwback heaven. Eye candy for the pack rat in all of us. Also a smart place to pick up deals to help you with that room you've been wanting to redecorate. A friendly crew of people bring you A to Zen. The unique second hander that is full of surprises. A buddy of mine tells me this is a staple in north Carson. One look and I understand. I call it the state's biggest garage sale and more (who doesn't love a good garage sale). The atmosphere alone is worth the visit. We found antiques, collectibles, dolls, clothes, books and even musical instruments most at reasonable prices. There's a decent size variety of vinyl records. At first glance they seem expensive, but when you consider they are still a sought after commodity, the pricing is justified. The DVD's, on the other hand, are a bit pricey. The message is more the experience than the merchandise. Enjoy a coffee, tea, espresso along with a snack and chat it up with your host, Mike. Mike's good people and one helluva guitarist/singer. Segue into the huge back room with a stage and plenty of seating to enjoy live entertainment. On Friday night they feature an open mic. Plus, other events during the week. More to come as we plan to make many visits here, now that we're aware. read more

A to Zen - Thrift Stores Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

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Candles, artwork, books, posters, plants, vintage finds, clothing, kitchen and household goods, records, the list of what these guys carry is soooooo long! This cute, not-so-little place is a pretty rad spot for finding cool things plus they have a room in the back with an actual stage where they serve up local talent on Sundays. This particular Sunday I went to listen to the cool classic rock jams played by One Way Street who were raising money for the homeless. They shared the stage periodically with other local talented singers and musicians. The stage room is dimly lit with lots of mixed seating via comfy couches, overstuffed chairs, barstools, and the like. They don't serve alcohol but you are allowed to bring your own. It was a pretty groovy way to spend a sleepy Sunday afternoon. The staff here is really nice too and very helpful. If you are looking for a cool item for yourself or as a gift and want to hear some local jams, head over to A to Zen. You'll fall in love! read more

A to Zen - Thrift Stores Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

Cool store but I was expecting more of a thrift store. Kind of expensive for a thrift store, but they do have some unique items. I enjoyed going through the old record albums. Looks like they have some kind of open mike meeting there in the back with furniture and a stage. Great place to browse and find that unusual pice you wouldn;t find anywhere else read more

Haiku Review A to Zen J'adore !! From fairy winged Solstice to.. Fondue bibs, Incense. Have a vintage dream? Stroll through Time & World Culture, Make a dream come true. I know you. You sang Fridays at Open Mike, right? A-Zen infamous. Couches in back lend Lounge full participation. Tea, subtly sober. read more

Passed through Carson City and stopped in right after they re-opened from COVID. Very friendly staff, took the time to help me find specific memorabilia which I purchased as a gift for my Dad. They also have a large vinyl record section, and let me tell you, it's ORGANIZED! That is not something you see often in a thrift/second hand shop. If you are in the area, I recommend visiting this great small business! read more

Awful. Entrance door number one opened up into what I would consider, back room, throw it in the bin, garbage. Still, I powered on. The place smelled awful. I get the antique/thrift "musty" funk, but this was down right offensive. Still, I powered on. Found an item of interest! The item can be found for less on Ebay shipping included. Saw a couple more items with premium prices. The prices were not offending. What was, is their misunderstanding of the word "thrift" with the word "antique" you must be one or the other. You can not be both. The third strike came when I was getting ready to venture further into the store where items, that probably should be promoted in the front, were. I was stopped in my tracks by the repellent odor of cigarette smoke wafting in through a just opened door. Employee was smoking at the door and she left her still smoldering butt on the ledge of the door handle. Ewww. Just ewww. This store has such potential but is too high on the icky scale and the prices are way too high to qualify as a thrift store. read more

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I wanted to love this store, I really did. It's an amazing mix of what seems like it would have populated a Dollar Tree sometime around 1971, used stuff, and the odd bit of handmade furniture (the woman working at the register told me her father made the wood end-table-with-a-lamp-built-in that I was checking out). There's a poster section in the back that will fulfill all your landscape, kitten, Christian inspiration, and Native-American-cultural-appropriation needs. And there are lots of weird old cookbooks. But what's up with the Confederate flag on the ceiling? read more

Just dropped in to see what was in stock and had a great experience talking music with the owner. Super nice guy, and lots of fascinating items in his shop. Recommended! read more

I go here almost every time I'm in Carson City. It's one of those places that you never know exactly what's inside. There's lots of books, artwork, posters, clothing, costumes and oddities. I ALWAYS spend $30-200 depending on what I find. Lots of hard to find vintage goods and lots of vinyl records. The owner or his daughter are always there and both are incredibly nice. read more

What a weird place! Its pretty cool. You never know what you will find here. It was like a storage locker was stored for over 30 years and bang...here's all the items. New and old items vintage items. The coolest part is the back area with couches and chairs that is a place for live music! Fun read more

A to Zen is a new found favorite! We were in a "bunny mode pinch"....needed to find a last minute Easter Bunny Costume and our resident Brianna referred us here. Mike was so accommodating. We were able to find the sweetest bunny costume and our Easter Egg Hunt was a complete success! Heck, our bunny even did the Harlem Shake with all the boys n girls! Way too cute! Thank you to Mike and A to Zen for making this Easter the best ever. We will certainly be back for more! read more

A to Zen - Tahoe Shores Easter 2013! Thank you A to Zen!! - Thrift Stores Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

very very very very cool store. everything you can imagine. family owned. nice people. very fun. makes me feel like I stepped into the 70s. read more

I was expecting a regular thrift store but this place is more than that. They have thrift store stuff (clothes, books, shoes) but they seem to specialize in deadstock knicknacks from the 80s and 90s. Toys, home decor, jewelry, kiddie prizes, school supplies... all sorts of random and interesting things. I found several things from my youth in brand new condition (rainbow colored shoelace hair clips, anyone?). Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area. read more

I was very surprised by the variety. I have been looking for a place that carried LP's and I've finally found one. I decided to try them out and bought 2 albums. They were in great shape, no warping or skips. Just a perfect experience. read more

Dude, what a kickass trippy place! I don't even know how to describe it or where to begin! I was out cruising Carson City from Reno trying to help promote the Great Basin Geek Con and I had been recommended this store by a few friends. I stopped in and they were more than happy to put up a poster for the upcoming Con and at that point I started checking the place out. So many knickknacks and weird things, trippy esoteric items and old books and this place has a vibe like it's from a different age or like maybe it belongs in Haight Ashbury or something. As I chatted with the nice woman who was working behind the counter she began telling me about all the cool events they have there too like bands, poetry readings and other stuff! While I was there I got to try on a chicken mask, wave some pom poms, leaf through a book about some Hari Krishna dude, drink a 20 year old TAB soda, strut in some pimp daddy shoes, and sniff some groovy incense! Now where else can you do all that in less than an hour I ask you? For some reason I got the munchies when I left and I kept chanting, "Om Mani Padme Hum!" Weird experience but call me a fan! read more

The thrift store that is located behind the A to Zen amid lots of potted flowers for sale is really interesting.The owners are knowledgeable, their prices more than fair, the man and wife owners are gems! But I also purchased a book at A to Zen which was very fairly priced. read more

More novelty than thrift and kind of reminds me of a tourist gift shop, BUT if you enjoy looking in these sort of places definitely stop and browse. I think it's a little on the expensive side, but the stock here is different. Give it a try and see for yourself! read more

Walked in yesterday on a whim during my lunch hour and loved it instantly! Drum set in the corner, mike in the middle with couches and very cute furniture in the middle for a get together. By a posted advertisement, I saw that they have an open mic every Friday night which is awesome!! I am originally from the bay area, CA and a big fan of thrift stores and flea markets, which I miss terribly! Here I found a nice selection of older records, vintage books, which I plan to go back and pick up for my collection at home. Also a lot of great older comic books, Archie Iron Ons!, and misc toys from back in the day!! Cute, vintage furniture, a poker table made of felt by the owner which is awesome, but a little out of my price range, sadly :(( knick knacks, stuffed animals (Snoopy and Cabbage Patch dolls), older jewelry. If you are in the area I would recommend checking it out. Lots of framed art, Rat Pack, Monroe, Elvis, a bit pricey but very, very nice! read more

Truly, an experience in shopping, browsing, and if you really want to experience something special,... on Friday nights they have an open mic night, (like no other). There is an ambiance of peace, calmness and joy that is just separate from anywhere. The staff and audience are as kind and gentle, free tea, comfortable lounging, and top notch Pro Audio sound engineering with a host of instruments and affable, seasoned musicians who would gladly lend a hand if you asked for it in your song. All skill levels receive wonderful applause. The store is remarkable in its selection of merchandise. One would have to go to Hollywood, CA to find some of the unique and rare items available. Better than Disneyland. I'll stake my oath on it. Warmest Regards, enjoy your experience,... David Heet CC, NV 89703 read more

I was surprised regarding the positive reviews for A to Z by other reviewers. I found the place creepy. It's dark with small rooms that led through a honeycomb of old cloths, piles of stuff and discontinued merchandise from other stores. There is always odd furniture displayed outside the front of the store that intrigues but is over priced. I understand they do a great haunted house at Halloween and offer costumes for rent as well. It's more of a junk store than a thrift shop. Worth going to if you are in the area but its not a shop you go to on a regular basis. read more

This place is fantastic, I could live in this place. Lots of really cool knickknacks for people of all interests. Fair prices and the owner is really cool. Lots of old stuff, lots of new stuff. It's really a weird variety of absolutely everything. read more

That man needs to learn some manners. I don't understand how someone can be so rude. A business needs to be professional and that means to all of the people you come in contact with not just a select few. I won't be back. read more