Einstein’s Attic sells retro clothes, authentic imports

Vintage jewelry, tie-dye T-shirts, retro furniture and kitschy knickknacks are just some of the things customers can find at Einstein’s Attic, a thrift store located across from University Plaza.

The store is one of the best places in Kent to find vintage clothing and household items.

“It’s like stepping back in time,” owner Gretchen Trout said. “There is a little bit of everything.”

The store steam cleans and sanitizes all of its furniture and clothing. Trout said sanitizing is not required by law but is something the store does anyway.

“If we wouldn’t use it, we wouldn’t want to sell it,” Trout said.

Einstein’s Attic is also a great place to get a costume for Halloween or a themed party. Trout said if people call ahead the employees will put together costumes.

Owner Sherry Dakes said during Halloween the store will be mostly full of costumes. In the past it has had a full Willy Wonka costume and a Batman costume.

“We aren’t an off-the-shelf kind of costume place,” Trout said.

The store also carries all different kinds of retro furniture students can use to furnish a dorm room. The store has vintage couches, tables, futons and chairs.

“We try to be a nice retro vintage option that’s affordable,” Trout said. “We’re a lot cheaper than vintage stuff online.”

Dakes said the store has had a lot of interesting stuff over the years. She said it has had everything from a life-size E.T. doll to a red velvet couch.

“We have unique items,” Dakes said. “Our stuff is one of a kind.”

Besides furniture and clothing, Trout said Einstein’s Attic is one of the few places in Kent where people can find authentic imported items such as incense.

The store is closed on Sundays and Mondays for restocking and so employees can clean and sanitize new items, but the rest of the week the store is open from noon to 7 p.m.

“We’re the coolest store in Kent,” Dakes said.

Einstein’s Attic

115 Cherry St.

(330) 346-0673

Tuesday through Saturday: Noon to 7 p.m.

Contact School of Art reporter Michelle Bender at [email protected].