This is a thrift store - for Hostess products! We come here to get our bread cheap and then freeze…read moreit so it will last us a while. They keep a variety of snacks in the store, too, little Hostess cupcakes and boxes of fruit snacks. If you're looking to get a treat for your Sunday school class or for your kids to take to school that isn't going to break the bank, this might be the place for you! Much less than buying it at the grocery store or Wal-mart.

I wasn't sure what to expect but as soon as I stepped inside I was blown away! So many vintage,…read moreretro, edgy, quirky items -- genuinely something for everyone! Perfect place to spend a little "me" time or buy unique gifts for friends and family. Can't wait to go back!

I love this store! They have done a great job of having everything you could want for yourself,…read morehome and people you know and want to shop for. When I say they have everything I really mean it! You must go see for yourself.

What a wonderful business addition to Kalona!…read more My mom and I checked it out yesterday and we had a wonderful time checking out the massive variety of things. I found an elephant figurine (that I bought), and an elephant light (which I did not buy... yet!). They also have some gorgeous jewelry by the front desk, that I may have to splurge on soon! This is definitely the antique/vintage experience you expect and want when you step into a shop in town. Not just the same old things, but many items that my mom and I had never seen in our many browsing trips to various stores/flea markets. They are in the middle of updating the space, but leaving ALL the charm of the building - there was even features of it opened up that were hidden away when we shopped the business in place before it. We definitely plan on returning... again and again!

Everyone needs a Ragstock in their life…read more It's this hole in a wall shop at the bottom of some treacherous stairs. It smells kind of funky down there because there are literally racks and racks of used items. They sell new, cheap staples as well. But why everyone should have one in their life, isn't because of the new merch. It is because they sell oddities. 80s lewks. Hawaiian shirt madness. Retro prom dresses at Halloween. Hats you can find nowhere else. Ragstock is unlike any store living downtown. It also boasts a pretty large men's section-- which isn't normal for the district. The price tag is right. The staff is more or less attentive. Park in a ramp. (First hour free!) More times then not, when you're searching for a particular odd ball item-- they'll have it in spades. It's not the most glamorous shop and honestly isn't really a spot I'd frequent on the regular. But it gets the job done and is one of the few like it in town. Stop in Ragstock and up-cycle some used apparel.

It was a miserable, sweltering day and I was walking a little overheating beagle…read more Did I mention we weren't welcome at a lot of stores? Imagine my joy and the relief of a beagle to step in somewhere cool! The gentlemen at the counter was so friendly- his kindness was so welcomed and helpful. I bought a beautiful summery dress for a $10 bargain price tag. Also, they had an endless array of bandannas- should beagle want to match! Go and shop here!

Gosh. I am not sure there is anything I enjoy more than a good sale. Well... besides maybe online…read moreshopping while binge watching a show in my PJs? Oh, and of course shopping local! Enter the pandemic. If there is one positive that came out of the pandemic, it is that so many of my favorite downtown shops now have an online store! I was perusing Textile's Winter Clearance sale... and of course found items (at a whopping 80% off?!?!) I got a scarf and some gloves. I paid via PayPal. And a mere two business days later Iowa City Downtown District delivered my purchase to my doorstep... for free. A win all around. If you're looking for quality women's clothes, unique jewelry, fun handbags or stylin shoes stop by this local, women-owned biz. Whether that be IRL or online! (https://textilesic.com/)

Textiles has long been one of my go-to stops when I'm looking for a unique gift for a friend or…read morefamily member. I first wandered into this lovely shop with my mother while I was an undergraduate student, and it's become kind of a mother-daughter tradition ever since! They have a great selection of women's clothing that's appropriate for people of all ages, and a really great selection of designer jewelry and accessories that make for great gifts. Over the years, I've purchased a few "Hobo" wallets, some really adorable necklaces, and, one of my favorite clothing items which is a pair of black leggings that are attached to a skirt - most comfortable thing, ever, EVER! The women who work here are incredibly nice and helpful, and it's always a fun experience when I go in to pick out something for someone else. Love this place.

I have been SO excited to make this review! My husband and I were concerned about getting furniture…read moredown into our basement due to a tight corner and thought a futon would be nice. Low and behold, four minutes from our condo is a futon place! We come in and are warmly greeted by Jordan. The store itself is full of art work and plants which is the perfect environment to try out the different futon mattresses and see how the frames work. Jordan listened to our wants and needs the entire process and thoroughly explained features and benefits of each item. We went with the mattress that they make in store and the darker stained wooden frame (one pictured) and couldn't be happier. They brought it to our place and set it up for FREE and it took not even 15 minutes. I 10/10 recommended going here if you are looking for a futon no matter what your price point is. Thank you so much Futon Shop!

The staff was incredible helpful and accommodating! I received an amazing custom futon for a price…read moremuch better than anything I could find online. It was promptly delivered to my door shortly after the order was placed. Thank you Jordan and Steve for facilitating such a positive experience! The Futon Shop exemplifies the value of small, locally run business and Iowa City is better for it.

Mike, the owner of Knock on Wood, does a fantastic job restoring antiques. He restored a number of…read moreitems for us - a depression era dresser, several tables, a Danish chair and many other things. His rates are very reasonable and when he can (and he is always booked in advance) he will accommodate you in between big jobs. Highly recommend his business!

I'm the f irst to review the dying Sycamore Mall in 5 years. Yes, 5 years. I suppose that's a major…read moresign that no one shops this mall anymore, except for going to a movie or visiting the hobby shop or toy collectibles store. Remember when going to the mall was the thing you wanted to do after school and on the weekends? I'm giving Sycamore 3/5 because I know what it once was. It's a pretty desolate place these days. Movie theatre, hobby shop, toy collectibles shop, taekwondo lessons, and what else I'm not sure. As long as the theater doesn't do anywhere I think the few remaining business can survive. If the theater closes I'm afraid it will be the same for everyone else. Definitely check it out for the theater, hobby shop and the shop that has all of your favorite childhood toys and collectibles. Or if you want to remember what it felt like to shop something pre Coral Ridge.

It's alright, not great, but it's okay. I think a different Mall Manager might help bring it back…read moreto life maybe? Update: There is a new Mall Manager now & it is better! (Lucky's Market helps)