Let me say at the outset, that I adore small independent bookstores. This place was awesome! There…read morewas a great banned book section and the saleslady showed us an interesting website that explains why (or at least the supposed reason) books were banned. They had a nice selection of books for all ages. A balance of best sellers, classics, and other books. To find such a gem in a small town in Iowa (without a big college) was a treat.

A very adorable bookstore. We enjoyed visiting. Visited there for the Iowa independent bookshop…read moretour this summer.

This is best absolute best multi-scale model railroad hobby store! The folks there are extremely…read morehelpful and can answer all kinds questions and they make great suggestions. They don't try to sell things I don't need, yet they me know what to consider with each purchase. (E.g. length consideration when buying locomotives and rolling stock based upon turning radius, etc). I found tools, track, locomotives and rolling stock, scenery items and accessories... I could shop for days there! I highly recommend this shop... Carol and the old guys will treat you right!

In the world of vanishing hobby shops, we're lucky this one is still around. Large inventory of N,…read moreHO and O scale. Like many stores, they also have used equipment. On Monday and Wednesday evenings, they do a YouTube live stream of stuff to sell. Nice town. I parked right at the front door.

I dont know why im the first to write a review about this place. If you're a girl who loves unique…read morejewelry and other accessories, then this place is for you! This is a great place to buy gifts for your girl friends or even lil kiddies. This is one of two stores in Iowa. It's located inside the Old Capital Building, the other (a larger store) is located at Mount Vernon. I loved wasting time at Silver Spider as I wait for my next class. I wasted many hours looking at all the trinkets, bags, jewelry, and much much more! You won't leave the store disappointed and always look forward to your next visit. I heart Silver Spider

A note from a loyal Silver Spider serial shopper... a repeat customer, to say the least…read more This is a supremely cool and eclectic one stop gift shop oozing with character in the Old Capitol Mall. Don't know what to get that special someone in your life? Seriously, do yourself a favor and just take a stroll through this adorable store. The possibilities are endless. In college I'd stop in any time I had time to burn between classes. I've gotten sunglasses, jewelry, clever magnets, coffee table books, clothes, a wallet, hats, children's finger puppets... the list goes on and on. As a non-student resident now, I relish the times I can pop in and explore. I've never gone in looking for something and left disappointed. Honestly, I've probably ALWAYS left with the treasure I had in mind and then some.

Holy VINTAGE?! I was…read morewalking around the Old Capitol Mall the other day and as I neared the spot that used to house The Silver Spider (darn you, pandemic!)-- I was pleasantly surprised to see it not vacant! Alas, Bartertown Toys. They're open 11-7pm, on the daily. Bartertown Toys and Collectibles, started as a pop-up store last December. It sells toys, collectibles, and comic books. As I walked in on a Friday afternoon my six-year-old was wide eyed. Staring gleefully at action figures, Star Wars paraphernalia, Sega and Nintendo games. Oh my gosh and comic books. My daughter also enjoyed the my little ponies and other treasures. There's something for everyone. If you're struggling with what to get a (big or) little kid in your life-- Bartertown Toys is the place to go.

I've had many great experiences in this store in the past! They have an awesome selection,…read morereasonable prices, and a great vibe. However, during my last visit, there was a new employee who I felt was unreasonably and disproportionately rude. I wanted a figurine behind a glass wall, and when he unlocked it, I reached toward the one I was going to purchase. This made him extremely upset with me and he made passive aggressive comments like I was trying to steal or something, when I really didn't think I was too unreasonable. I also wanted to buy a couple mini figures that I put up on the counter to pay for, and I guess he didn't ring them up or something, because when I left the store with everything I THOUGHT I purchased, he screamed after me, took them out of my hand saying "Those aren't free!" and took zero accountability on his end for the mistake. I probably won't returning.

I love Ollie's! Two…read moreof my favorite stores are Aldi and Big Lots and I get both of those vibes when I'm in Ollie's. This location opened in the fall and I think we've been five times or so. The first few times just to browse, but the last couple of times for specific items (air mattress for example). You'll find something different each time you visit. It's like treasure hunting to dig through some of the shelves. I scored some limited edition Method brand hand soap on my first visit. Snagged as many as I could and paid less than half of what I would have at Target. Yes, I get excited about hand soap. A great place to go if you need guest items - I stock up on toothbrushes, body washes, things like that. They have non-perishable food/pantry items. No fresh food. Great place for baking supplies, spices, cereal, shelf-stable items if you aren't really picky about brand names. I would love to see the pet merchandise expanded upon, but they do have an aisles worth right now. Lots of things for the home like rugs, sheets, pillows, towels. Several aisles of toys and a huge area dedicated bargain books. Kitchen, automotive, electronics, office supplies, and seasonal also. While I love a bargain, some of the items at Ollie's are not. We did find an air mattress at Ollie's, but it was much less expensive to get one from Walmart. While their books are 'bargain' prices, I'm not sure they're less expensive than the big box stores. The price tags all have an 'ours' and 'theirs' price. Sometimes there isn't much of difference. I noticed this when buying Halloween candy. I signed up for their rewards program - Ollie's Army. It's easy join and use and you get a coupon for joining. Sign up for their weekly emails, too. The company did a really nice job upgrading the outside of the storefront and appear to be maintaining the parking lot. Customer service has always been above average when we've visited. If you need assistance with something, there are plenty of employees available. Grab a shopping cart - you'll need it!

There is a reason items are cheap..... they are just that…read more The only thing I found worth taking home was a few books. The store is extremely cluttered and would be difficult to maneuver if you had any mobility issues. I will pass on this the next time.

Cute little bookstore. Most of the books seem to be for children though and are religious based if…read morethat is what you are going for then it should be great for you! They have a few other books by more mainstream adult authors but overall kind of a limited selection. Lots of puzzles and toys and things for children. Almost seems like a toy shop... almost. Cute little place though.

Another must-see in the Amanas. I can't say that they sell anything truly 'original.' It's like a…read moreHallmark+Barnes & Noble all under one roof. They sell collectibles (John Deere, Willowtree, etc.) coffee table books, cook books, baby books, kids books, crafting books, greeting cards, calendars, knick-knacks and more. Prices are moderate and I've never actually purchased anything here (mainly because I can buy whatever it is on Amazon for a lot cheaper), but it is a fun store to shop.

The staff is friendly and knowledgable. Their minds are like lasers, dissecting my questions with…read morea surgeons precision.

Living in what used to be Sycamore Mall, on the east side of town, The Hobby Corner is a great spot…read moreto find radio controlled items, games, models, puzzles, trains, tools, rockets, educational sets and all sorts of cool toys! It's got a wide variety of items. I popped in on a Saturday evening and perused the shop. There are so many unique items, all priced appropriately. I was impressed to overhear a regular customer pop in and chat with the staff. There is definitely a sense of community at this shop. My daughter saw a daffodil Lego set and was thrilled have it purchased for her. (You're welcome.) It's cool that they have board game night (Thursdays) and that you can come play a board game yourself anytime during the day. On the same note-- if you have an old board game you can sell it here. You can now sell your used games in our store. To do this simply follow these few steps. You set the price and once it is sold you get 80% of that price as store credit. The coolest thing about The Hobby Corner is that they will order anything for you if you can't find it in the store-- at NO additional cost!