Two new used-goods stores have appeared in Ames, continuing a trend of old items finding new meanings.

“You kept something out of the dump, and you made someone else happy,” said Tim Gleason, co-owner of Random Goods.

Random Goods, in the old Varsity Theatre location, opened Aug. 19, and Anything But New, on Main St., is expected to open this weekend.

“People want to find deals, to find their ‘buried treasure,'” said Allison Sheridan, collections manager for University Museums, citing the FOX TV show. She said shows like “Antiques Roadshow” and “American Pickers” have increased the visibility and popularity of buying used items.

“I think younger people are finding it more trendy to collect something,” she said.

However, Sheridan recommended shopping critically.

“At some point, it ends up not being a deal,” she said of a culture where everyone is trying to score. Websites like eBay and Craigslist also add to the popularity of buying and selling.

Her biggest advice: “Inspect things carefully.” Look for any visible damage or repairs, or weak spots in the material.

However, don’t feel obligated to write off an item for some slight damage — it is possible to conserve things.

University Museums can provide a list of resources for those looking to conserve an item or appraise its value. The American Society of Appraisers also maintains a database of certified appraisers.

Random Goods, 2412 Lincoln Way

Gleason, who owns the store along with his wife, Cheryl, hopes Random Goods will help fill the niche of Ridiculous Rags, a costume shop that closed in Campustown in 2009.

He described the goods in the shop as “midcentury modern” — funky items from the 50s, 60s and 70s. The selection is a wide array of unique clothes and costumes, along with more tame apparel, furniture and home goods.

“It’s just a really neat environment,” Gleason said, “and you never know what’s a super-treasure for someone else.”

They’ll keep the store atmosphere fun and funky to match. Gleason said they plan to purchase a karaoke machine, and customers could get a discount if they sing.

Random Goods is a consignment store, meaning it sells things for consigners, and both the seller and Random Goods recieves part of the profit.

The store is unique in that it is also setting up consignment accounts for charitable organizations. Anyone could donate items to these accounts, and the proceeds would go to the organization instead of the item’s previous owner. Gleason said he hopes to work with the ISU Foundation to set up a needs-based scholarship.

A grand opening will take place sometime in September. At that time, the store will be gearing up its costume selection for Halloween. Gleason said they’ll offer rentals or sales and have staffers trained to help customers find the perfect costume.

Currently, Random Goods is just using what was formerly the lobby of the Varsity Theatre. However, they hope to restore the theatre to its 1930s appearance and eventually host dinner theaters there.

Anything But New, 309 Main St.

Becky Harvey, owner of Anything But New, first entered the antique world when she rented a booth in an antique shop to sell some of her stuff and clean out her house. However, as she saw more things she liked, she ended up buying more.

“I think it’s in my blood,” she said. “My dad has 500 boxes of stuff in his basement.”

After years of garage saling and that first booth, Harvey eventually had four antique shops around the state. When she decided to consolidate them, Anything But New was the result. 

The store has items priced from $1 to $1,000 — “Anything from junk to high-end,” Harvey said. 

The collection features Christmas goods, costume jewelry, old kitchen and work tools, men’s clothes and fabric. Harvey said she believes old things tend to be higher quality. 

Her selection won’t be limited to these categories, though. 

“I just pick up things that are cool,” she said. “I also kind of like to be creative. I even went out and went ditching for weeds, so I’ll have weed bouquets.”