There's a difference between an antique store and a pawn shop. I know this, but still had hope walking through the doors of this ginormous monstrosity because my girlfriend went here this weekend and swore I'd like this place. Funny how someone who has been your best friend since 7th grade can be so wrong.
I knew this wasn't in the best area, but I've grown up in Memphis my whole life and know how to handle myself in certain situations. (Or at least I like to think I do.) Rule #1 Don't be dumb and Rule #2 Be aware of your surroundings.
But I digress, yes, I went in on a Tuesday around noon, but there was only one other customer in the place, the rest were employees (creepy - oh, and there are giant TVs that show you aka that you are being recorded).
The store is set up in a giant square shape so I walked the perimeter - there are so many places you can't go - and became more and more disappointed the further I walked. Because everything was used - like really used - and I couldn't figure out who would actually WANT to buy this stuff. I don't care if it was dirt cheap, I wouldn't want to touch half the stuff (like mattress with a stain on it) and I would say at least 50% of the furniture I saw was broken.
And the things that were new or remotely nice were priced incredibly high, we're talking on par with what you'd find in a nicer store. There was one chair that was nicesh but they had it priced at $90...sorry, I might pay that at Pier1, but here? No way.
And then the run-in with the employee happened. Three employees were standing around a giant box of toy guns in the middle of the store. They asked if I needed help and I replied that I was just browsing. Well, fast forward to two minutes later and one of the guys (while holding a toy water gun) goes, "Hey lady, I have a loaded gun and I'm about to go on a terrorist attack." WHAT?!?!!?!?!?!?!?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!?!
Did I report it? Absolutely not. Because 1) worst case scenario the guy jumps me in the parking lot for snitching on him/getting him in trouble or fired and 2) that type of guy is just looking for attention and/or a reaction.
The only thing that was pretty cool was the old radios. I **almost** bought one but the color was off for my room and it was a little worse for the wear than I prefer. I asked the man at the front (I assume he's the owner) if that was their entire selection and he laughed saying I must be on the lookout for antiques. I said I was and asked if he had any vintage cameras - they don't. I'm pretty sure I amused the hell out of him because he was laughing for a good 5 minutes after I walked away.
I will say the ladies at the counter are very nice though. And if you are looking for super cheap electronics, this is your place. Bottom line, this store does not offer anything I'd want, but if you want a pawn shop, I don't think you can beat the selection here. read more