It was love at first sight when I came across The Newsagent’s —  a second-hand store in downtown Raleigh. This retro-modern thrift store sells a wide selection of movies, games, books, magazines, comic books and VHS tapes, all as a part of their mission to combat cultural erasure caused by algorithms.

Their mission statement describes how algorithms push content that is deemed desirable based on a user’s interaction with it. As a result, non-desireable content is less likely to be discovered.

Consequently, the layout of the store reflects their goal. From the ceiling to the floor are shelves lovingly displaying their selection of comic books, magazines and mass market paperbacks. Customers are invited into a cozy space with seats, tables, benches and couches on the first floor. The second floor is more snug, but welcomes you with cushioned chairs and a small retro TV playing old cartoons to set the mood.

In particular, I was drawn to the mini-cafe at the corner of their store. The overhead lights aren’t too aggressive on the eyes, and this area takes full advantage with soft neon lights. Their baristas serve behind a styled mobile cart, which makes good use of the space to show off the selection of food.

Past the mini-cafe is another room where an arch of vinyls, CDs and DVDs are to be admired. Patrons who want to listen to the old vinyls can play it on a vinyl player connected to a pair of quality headphones.

The third and final section, which I adore, the most is where they house the comic books. From DC and Marvel to Star Wars and Disneyland comics, The Newsagent’s has it all. I’m particularly impressed by their selection of Archie comics. They’re in pristine condition and The Newsagent’s offers “Archie” spinoff comics such as the “Betty and Veronica” series, as well as the “Jughead” comics.

If you ever find yourself wandering around downtown Raleigh, you should definitely check out The Newsagent’s.