Random House
Address
12 W State St, Athens, Ohio, 45701
Phone
+1 740-592-2464Hours
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Random House is an eclectic antique store located in Athens, Ohio that offers a diverse and ever-changing selection of merchandise. The store has a "low-key curb presence" but is "clean and cluttered" with "pre-owned merch" filling the space.
The inventory at Random House spans a wide range of categories, from antique furniture and vintage home decor to local artwork, jewelry, and even children's items. Reviewers highlight the store's "great selection that changes all the time," with one noting they "found a family photo" during their visit. Another customer shared that their "home is filled with [the owner's] items," praising the "trustworthy, stable business practice."
The staff is described as friendly and helpful, with one reviewer stating, "Everyone is always so very helpful here!!" The owner, Jim, is praised as a "good businessman and leader in the Athens community" who can "find or remember what [customers] seek." The store seems to cater to a diverse clientele, from students and academics to the "PhD crew" in the local area.
Customers appreciate the "eclectic collection of stuff" and the opportunity to "forage & browse & rummage." As one reviewer puts it, "If you like to forage & browse & rummage, you are in a good place." The store's mix of vintage, antique, and locally-sourced items creates a unique shopping experience for visitors to Athens.
Overall, Random House appears to be a beloved fixture in the Athens community, offering a treasure trove of unexpected finds and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere for both longtime locals and visitors alike.
31 reviews
Marcy McDonald O'Brien
Love this shop! So many nice things. From antique to new. Great selection that changes all the time. Definately worth a visit.
Angela Montgomery
We loved our visit to this place. Lots of things to see and friendly staff. I purchased a pair of hand made earrings from a local artist.
Thank you for the feedback! We are so glad that you enjoyed your visit
EM
I like it. My first visit to Athens, and I found Random House randomly - I nearly drove by. The shop has a low-key curb presence, is clean and cluttered -and as some have said, musty - because it is in an old Athens building and BECAUSE IT IS FULL OF PRE-OWNED MERCH. It's an old-fashioned Midwestern shop of the sort we found across American in the 1960s and late 20th C - and considered edgey! In one front bay you'll see furniture - some antique, some MCM, some upholstered pieces blocking a fine display of early-20th Century ceramic Wall Pockets; across the aisle, glass cases of iocal jewelry, some lovely pieces of indigenous artifacts, odd little bits of silver & vintage traditional costume accessories - there's more vintage pottery & glass (Fiesta Ware to Royal Bayreuth) . A right turn takes you to recordings, framed art, gorgeous serigraphs by Athens artist Jack Sullivan (and crazy good prices - I bought two of them, signed and numbered.), an homage to RBG again, priced for easy acquisition) - some vintage bits of rescued art. Next turn finds kids' stuff-both vintage & recent - wooden school chairs, games; vintage clothes & some noticeable shoes... If you like to forage & browse & rummage, you are in a good place. If you want a fancy antique shop with curated merchandise, go to the suburbs or to Columbus. Here, you'll find friendly staff & conversation.in an Athens heritage building, and merchandise arranged like you'd expect from a store called Random House.
We really appreciate your detailed review and hope you are able to stop in again! We do really enjoy talking with members of our community as well as visitors
Kevin Michael Callihan Sr
Caesar is "JIM" the owner. He calls the shots. He is my friend. My home is filled with his items. He is trustworthy, stable business practice, and someone I know well enough to recommend in our Athens, Ohio community of students and academics then the PhD crew who all enjoy Random House for they know Jim can find or remember what they seek. I have known Jim for 21 years and he helped me furnish my home when I moved here. Thank you Google for allowing me to say the truth about a friend of mine who is a good businessman and leader in the Athens community. My alumnus '09' #ohioFOREVER 1804 Ohio University. I'm Kevin C. he will know me and maybe give you a rate. lol.
Stephanie knopp
Loved this place, I actually found a family photo of mine here!
Thank you for stopping in Stephanie, hope you’ll stop in again sometime! ~Lynn
Cy Free
Everyone is always so very helpful here!! You never know what you may find!! I have found some treasures!!😁
Thank you Cy for stopping in Random House. The owner,Jim, has had the store for 41 years. Like you said, you never know what you’ll find, lol. Today we got some really cool theater props from Ohio University Theater Department! They are on display in our window! ~Lynn
Kelli Wolfe
Great little place within eclectic collection of stuff. Very helpful staff
Thank you for stopping in Kelli. Hope you’ll stop by again! ~Lynn
kenne macKillop
I have a small studio apartment with a houseload of cool furniture from Random House. And Frank will deliver. I also got a late Art Deco almost mid century modern bedroom set with an incredible vanity with a huge mirror. Likely from during WWII. Yep. I love my stuff, and most of came from Random House.
Thank you for your reply Kenne. Always good to see you when you stop in.
Aundrea Carpenter-Colvin
Nifty stuff!
A bit late here but wanted to say thank you for the nice comment. Hope to see you again sometime. ~Lynn @ Random House
Adrienne Tevis
Love this place! Our home has so many things from here. Great customer service and great finds!
A bit late responding but wanted to say thank you for the nice comment. Hope to see you again sometime. Lynn @ Random House