Racks Of Vintage Denim And Retro Toys Keep Families Digging Through This Nevada Shop For Hours

A giant pair of fuzzy dice hangs from the ceiling of this shop. A huge barrel of monkeys dangles nearby, like a toy box tipped over by a friendly giant.

Under all that whimsy sit two full floors of finds. One level is packed with vintage clothing, costumes, boots, boas, and jewelry.

The other holds antiques, collectibles, and furniture with a second life.

I like how the store asks for nothing but your time. Nobody charges you to wander, and wandering is most of the fun.

Families can split up, chase their own treasures, and meet back with armloads of stories.

This Nevada stop was never meant to be a quick errand. I can’t imagine anyone leaving after ten minutes.

So how long would your crew last before someone starts trying on a feather boa?

The Reno Shop Hiding Behind A Public Market Door

Junkee Clothing Exchange & Antique Store sits inside the Reno Public Market in Reno, Nevada. You reach the shop through the market entrance, which makes the first step feel a little like finding a secret room.

Officially, it’s a used clothing store. Honestly, that label sells it short by a mile.

The shop covers secondhand apparel, antiques, furniture, costumes, jewelry, and collectibles. Its own description calls it a clothing exchange and antique store, and both halves earn their billing.

Reports put the space at roughly 15,000 square feet. That’s plenty of room for a family to scatter and still keep finding new corners.

The layout runs across two stories. Clothing and costumes fill the ground floor, while antiques and collectibles wait upstairs.

An elevator connects the levels, which helps with strollers and tired knees. Grandparents can browse the upper floor without tackling a staircase.

No admission fee stands between you and the fun. Looking around costs nothing, which makes this a friendly pick for fixed budgets.

Spending is entirely up to you. Some families may leave with one small treasure, and others might need help carrying bags to the car.

A Junk-Loving Dream That Started In 2008

Back in 2008, Jessica Schneider opened Junkee with a big love for quirky displays and secondhand goods. That passion still shows in nearly every corner of the store today.

The shop first built its following at an earlier Reno location. Later it moved into its current home inside the Reno Public Market on Plumb Lane.

The newer spot brings one very practical upgrade. There’s a lot more parking than before, which matters when you’re hauling kids and shopping bags.

Over the years, Junkee became known for more than racks of clothes. The store supports local events and community happenings around Reno.

That connection gives the place a neighborly feel. It reads less like a chain and more like a hometown project that kept growing.

Owner-led businesses often carry a personal stamp, and this one wears it proudly. The displays feel playful rather than polished, in the best possible way.

For Nevada families who like supporting local shops, that history adds weight. Your purchase goes to a business with deep Reno roots.

It also explains the store’s personality. Nothing here looks like it came out of a corporate planning meeting.

Look Up Or You’ll Miss The Giant Fuzzy Dice

Most stores hang sale signs from the ceiling. Junkee hangs a life-size pair of fuzzy dice instead.

Nearby, a giant barrel of monkeys dangles overhead. Anyone who grew up with that little plastic game will grin on sight.

Those oversized props set the tone right away. You know quickly that this shop doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Kids tend to love spotting things like that. Turn it into a game and see who finds the next odd decoration first.

The displays across the store lean bold and over-the-top. Bright colors, sequins, and eclectic arrangements make browsing feel like touring a funky art installation.

For grandparents, the retro touches can spark easy stories. A barrel of monkeys is a great excuse to explain what entertainment looked like before screens.

The fun decor also makes the store easy to photograph. Families may want a few snapshots before anyone starts shopping.

Just remember the real treasures sit on the racks and shelves below. The ceiling only warms up the crowd for the main show.

Still, a shop willing to hang giant dice clearly cares about delight. That spirit runs through every room downstairs and up.

Vintage Denim That Rewards Patient Diggers

Faded jeans, worn jackets, and casual tees hang beside formal pieces on the ground floor. Junkee carries vintage and gently used clothing for both men and women.

The range stretches wide. You might move from everyday denim to an outfit built purely for showing off.

Sections are organized to represent different eras. That makes hunting for a certain decade far less chaotic than it sounds.

Prices are clearly marked throughout the store. No guessing games, which helps when you’re watching a budget.

Inventory changes constantly because the shop buys clothing from the public. New pieces arrive often, so a second visit can feel like a brand-new store.

That turnover rewards patience. The pair of jeans that wasn’t there last month might be waiting today.

Most items lean affordable, though some higher-end vintage pieces show up too. Expect a mix, and set a spending limit before the hunt begins.

Teenagers chasing a retro look may find this section hard to leave. Parents might end up digging right alongside them.

Bring patience and a little curiosity. The best denim finds rarely jump out, so flip through every hanger.

Costume Corners Where Kids Simply Vanish

Feather boas, wigs, hats, and sequins fill the costume area. The themed selection is big enough that kids tend to disappear into it.

That’s not a warning, just a happy reality. Dress-up lovers may need several reminders before it’s time to go.

Costumes are one of the shop’s best-known strengths. It’s a go-to spot for Halloween, themed parties, and school projects alike.

Boots, jewelry, and accessories round out the looks. One quirky hat can turn an ordinary afternoon into a full performance.

Staff members are known for jumping in to help build outfits. Ask for a theme, and someone may help you assemble the whole look.

That help can save time for busy parents. It also turns costume shopping into a shared project instead of a chore.

Every era seems to have a corner here. Kids can try out disco sparkle, western flair, or something gloriously strange.

Secondhand costumes can often cost less than brand-new party store versions. That stretches a holiday budget nicely.

Bring a phone for photos of the best combinations. Some outfits deserve a record even if they don’t come home.

An Elevator Ride Up To The Antique Floor

Take the elevator to the second story, and the mood shifts. Upstairs is where collectibles, antiques, vintage pieces, and assorted junk wait for new owners.

The shop calls these affordable antiques and collectibles. Shelves and cases hold trinkets, home decor, and curiosities spanning many decades.

This floor often suits grandparents perfectly. Familiar objects can spark memories and stories for younger family members.

Some items sit inside cases. Staff can open them for a closer look, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Families have spent two full hours on the antique side alone. That’s a lot of browsing for the cost of a parking spot.

Go slowly up here. Small treasures hide easily between bigger pieces.

One shelf might hold glassware, and the next might hold something you can’t quite name. That mystery is half the appeal.

Bring measurements if you’re shopping for a particular shelf or wall. A tape measure could save a second trip.

Collectors and casual browsers both fit in here. You don’t need expert knowledge to enjoy a good old object.

Nostalgic Toys And Collectibles Worth A Second Look

Retro playthings and pop-culture pieces make the collectibles area a magnet for all ages. One vendor space carries sweet comic-book-store style items.

It isn’t a dedicated toy store. Still, nostalgic finds pop up among the collectibles often enough to keep young eyes busy.

Kids enjoy hunting for things they recognize. Adults usually spot something from their own childhood first.

That shared discovery is the real gift. A forgotten toy can lead to a ten-minute story in the aisle.

Inventory shifts, so nothing specific is guaranteed. Treat it like a treasure hunt rather than a shopping list.

Give each child a small budget before heading upstairs. It teaches choosing and keeps the outing affordable.

Collectors might want to check back regularly. New pieces arrive as the shop keeps buying and trading.

Many items sit behind glass for protection. Ask staff when something catches your eye.

Little hands should look with eyes first. Some pieces are fragile, and patience protects both the toy and your wallet.

Leave room in your schedule for this corner. Toy talk tends to run long.

Furniture With A Fresh Coat Of Personality

Old dressers and side tables get second chances here. Junkee features upcycled and repurposed furniture alongside its traditional antiques.

That mix makes the upstairs feel lively. Classic wood pieces share space with items that have clearly been reimagined.

Unique home decor fills in the gaps. Lamps, frames, and odd accents can add character to a plain room.

Secondhand furniture can often cost less than new pieces from big stores. It also keeps usable items out of the landfill.

Measure your space before you go. Falling for a cabinet that won’t fit through the door is no fun.

Plan your ride home too. A small car may struggle with larger finds.

Families furnishing a kid’s room might find playful options. A funky desk or shelf can reflect a young person’s style.

Retirees downsizing may enjoy browsing for one meaningful accent piece. Sometimes a single great chair beats a houseful of matching sets.

Look closely at condition before buying. Secondhand pieces carry history, and checking drawers and legs is smart.

The thrill comes from imagining each piece at home. That daydream alone is worth the stairs, or the elevator.

Fitting Rooms Fit For A Movie Montage

Even the changing rooms got the Junkee treatment. They’re decorated as boldly as the rest of the store.

That makes trying on clothes oddly entertaining. Pick a vibe, swap outfits, and stage your own makeover montage.

Families can turn this into a fashion show. Each person grabs one wild piece and reveals it with dramatic flair.

It’s free fun, and nobody has to buy the sequined cape. Though nobody will blame you if you do.

The store also keeps things clean and organized. That helps a busy, colorful space feel welcoming instead of overwhelming.

Music plays throughout the shop and can run loud at times. Kids sensitive to noise may appreciate headphones or a quieter time of day.

Staff members tend to help without hovering. They can point you toward sizes, eras, or matching accessories.

Try-ons matter with vintage clothing. Sizing from decades past often runs differently than modern labels.

So take the extra minute in those rooms. A quick check now beats a disappointing surprise at home.

And keep the camera ready for great outfits. Some looks are too good not to share with the grandparents.

Trade Your Old Clothes For Store Treasure

Here’s a budget trick worth knowing. Junkee buys gently used clothing and cool items from the public.

The buy, sell, and trade setup lets you turn a cluttered closet into shopping power. Clothes you might have donated anyway can bring a little money back.

Families with fast-growing kids may love this. Outgrown pieces can help pay for the next round of finds.

The program also keeps clothing out of the landfill. That’s an easy lesson in reuse for young shoppers.

Not everything will be accepted, so bring clean, gently worn items. Interesting or vintage pieces often have the best chance.

Call ahead or ask in store about current buying times. Policies can shift, and confirming saves a wasted trip.

Trading turns shopping into a cycle. Your old jacket might become someone else’s favorite next month.

Some shoppers return regularly for years to trade and browse. That steady flow is what keeps the racks fresh.

For retirees clearing closets, it’s a practical option too. Sorting becomes a little more rewarding.

Bring the kids along for the selling part. Seeing their old clothes earn value can be surprisingly exciting.

The Go-To Spot When A Party Has A Theme

Got an invitation that says dress as a decade? Junkee has built a reputation for exactly that kind of emergency.

Shoppers outfit themselves for themed parties, office contests, and Renaissance-style gatherings. The store is also a well-known stop for Burning Man outfits.

The shop even offers discounts for registered theme parties. Groups dressing together may save a bit by asking about it.

That’s handy for family reunions with a costume theme. A whole crew can shop in one trip.

Staff have helped shoppers assemble surprisingly creative looks. One last-minute idea can turn into a full head-to-toe outfit.

Every era seems represented somewhere. Shoes, jewelry, clothing, and art from different decades all mix together.

Big holidays bring extra demand for costumes. Going early may give you better selection before Halloween.

Bring a rough idea, then stay flexible. The best costume might come from a piece you never planned to grab.

Creativity is clearly welcome here. Unique styles show up among staff and shoppers alike, and everyone seems accepted.

That freedom matters for shy kids. Trying a bold look feels easier in a room that celebrates bold looks.

Hours, Parking, And A Plan For The Day

Mark down 299 E Plumb Ln, Reno, NV 89502. You’ll enter through the Reno Public Market, so look for the market doors first.

Junkee Clothing Exchange & Antique Store opens daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. That includes weekends, which helps working parents.

Hours can change, especially around holidays. Confirm before you drive in from Carson City or beyond.

Parking is noticeably easier than at the shop’s earlier location. The market lot gives families room to unload strollers.

Plan on at least two hours. Shoppers easily lose track of time, especially upstairs among the antiques.

Arriving near opening may give you calmer aisles. Afternoons can feel busier and louder.

Browsing costs nothing, which makes this a solid low-cost outing. Set a family spending cap before you head inside.

Prices are generally reasonable for the area. A few pieces run higher, so check tags before falling in love.

Wear comfortable shoes for two floors of wandering. The elevator helps anyone who’d rather skip stairs.

Since you’re already in the market, a snack break nearby is easy. That makes stretching the visit into a full afternoon simple.

Why Three Generations Can Share This Afternoon

Grandma heads for the glassware, Dad hits the denim, and the kids vanish into feather boas. Junkee makes splitting up feel natural and meeting back feel like a reunion.

I believe that’s its quiet superpower. Few Reno stops give every age something real to chase.

The cost stays in your hands. Window shopping alone can fill an afternoon without spending a dollar.

Trading old clothes can soften the bill even more. That’s a welcome perk for fixed incomes and growing families.

The atmosphere is loud, colorful, and proudly odd. Some will adore it, while noise-sensitive kids may prefer a quieter morning visit.

Everyone gets to be a little weird here. The staff seems to welcome that, and it shows.

Nevada has plenty of places to spend money quickly. This one rewards slowing down instead.

A barrel of monkeys hangs overhead, and treasures wait in every corner. It feels like the whole store wants you to play.

So pack patience, comfy shoes, and an empty trunk. You may need all three.

Somebody will find a favorite thing. Odds are good it’ll be the person who swore they were just looking.