If you love the thrill of discovery, McKay’s Winston‑Salem feels like a treasure map that keeps unfolding.
Aisles stretch with used books, vinyl, games, and movies that reward slow, curious browsing. You never know what waits on the next shelf, and that is exactly the point.
Bring time, comfy shoes, and a wishlist you do not mind breaking.
What makes McKay’s Winston‑Salem special
McKay’s Winston‑Salem stands out because it encourages unhurried wandering. You step into a warehouse scale space where used books, records, movies, and games are organized yet full of surprises. Every aisle invites detours, and that is where the good stuff hides.
The store’s community vibe comes from constant trade ins. Shelves refresh hourly, so patient browsers can circle back and find something new. The thrill is in the timing, and regulars treat laps around the floor like a ritual.
Prices are friendly, so experimenting is easy. Trying a new author or a vintage LP feels low risk, high reward. You leave with a stack that tells a story only you could assemble.
Staff are approachable without hovering. If you want guidance, they point you to sections and quirky side shelves. If you prefer to roam solo, they let the hunt unfold.
Location, hours, and planning your visit
You will find McKay’s Winston‑Salem at 745 Jonestown Rd, Winston‑Salem, NC 27103. It is convenient to major roads and has ample parking, which helps when you plan a long browse. The official site, mckaybooks.com, posts updates and policies.
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday run 9 AM to 10 PM. Wednesday is 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Thursday 12 to 9 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 7 PM.
Arriving early can mean quieter aisles and fresh trades. Late evenings often feel relaxed, perfect for slow shelf by shelf scanning. Call +1 336-606-3559 if you want to confirm something before driving over.
Bring a small list but leave room for chance. Comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and patience go a long way. Plan for more time than you think because the store is delightfully massive.
Navigating the layout like a pro
The first tip is to grab a cart. Even if you swear you will grab only one book, the aisles convince you otherwise. Start with a lap to spot sections and signage, then circle back with intent.
Fiction and non-fiction are clearly divided, with sub genres hiding surprise gems. Media sections for vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and games flank the main book aisles. Clearance bins and endcaps often hold the weirdly wonderful finds.
Check the higher and lower shelves. Eye level gets picked clean faster. The gold hides where casual glances do not linger, so crouch and scan slowly.
Make mental anchors, like the checkout counter or listening stations, to avoid backtracking confusion. Work in zones so your brain remembers what you covered. If you lose the plot, staff happily redirect you.
The book selection: fiction, non-fiction, and hidden corners
McKay’s Winston‑Salem shines with depth across genres. Fiction shelves mix contemporary paperbacks with out of print oddities. Non-fiction ranges from history and science to cookbooks and craft manuals.
Genre lovers will find robust sections for sci fi, fantasy, mystery, and romance. Classics and literary fiction coexist with campus reading lists and cult favorites. The joy is finding marginalia, vintage covers, and sturdy editions.
Hidden corners reward curiosity. Anthologies, essays, and small press titles hide in slim spines. Translated works and regional authors pop up more often than you expect.
Do not skip the kids and YA aisles if you love imaginative storytelling. Picture books and middle grade shelves cycle quickly with trades. A patient sweep can turn up signed copies and early editions.
Vinyl, CDs, and movies for analog lovers
The music and movie sections feel like a time capsule with modern curation. Vinyl bins feature rock, jazz, soul, hip hop, country, and soundtrack runs. CDs, DVD, and Blu-ray shelves are neatly labeled for easy digging.
Condition notes and pricing are clear, which helps you calibrate expectations. Look for listening or preview options if available. Staff can point you toward recent trades that have not yet been fully shelved.
Soundtrack and jazz sections often hide collectible pressings. Movie aisles mix mainstream hits with deep genre cuts, from noir to anime. Box sets appear unpredictably, so repeat visits pay off.
Expect to flip slowly, as great finds sit one divider away from the obvious. Treat it like crate digging at a record fair. The thrill is hearing that first clean needle drop when you get home.
Games, collectibles, and unexpected media
Beyond books, McKay’s Winston‑Salem stocks games and quirky media. You will see retro cartridges, modern titles, and handhelds alongside controllers. Board games and puzzles show up in varying completeness, so check pieces.
Prices reflect condition, and cases often include notes about manuals. Staff understand platform quirks and can guide compatibility questions. Ask about recent trade carts if you are hunting a specific system.
Collectibles appear unpredictably, from art books to fandom merch. Soundtracks, strategy guides, and art cards bridge gaming and print. It feels like a crossroad for analog and digital culture.
Patience is essential because the best finds rotate quickly. Keep a running list on your phone for expansions or rare editions. That casual pass by the glass case might become your favorite score.
How trade-ins work and how to maximize value
Trade ins power McKay’s Winston‑Salem, and understanding the process helps. Bring clean, sellable items and check the website for accepted categories. Staff evaluate condition and demand before offering credit or cash.
Store credit stretches further than cash, so plan to reinvest. Sort items by value to decide what to keep or sell elsewhere. Pair high demand titles with steady sellers to smooth offers.
Arrive earlier in the day to avoid long queues. Packaging items in boxes by category speeds appraisal. Include chargers and manuals for electronics to boost results.
Accept that some items will be passed on. It is not personal, just shelf strategy and space. The goal is exchanging what you are done with for something you will love.
Budget strategies and price scouting
Set a flexible budget before you arrive. Prices are friendly, but the cart fills fast. Decide what to splurge on and what to sample cheaply.
Use clearance carts and endcaps as your first stop. Then scan for mid tier keepers that fit your shelf long term. Paperbacks, mass market spines, and gently loved hardcovers balance a haul.
Check condition grades against price stickers. Light wear is fine if the content matters more than the collectible state. For vinyl, assess sleeves and play surfaces closely.
Keep a running tally so you do not break your plan. Leave room for a single wildcard that makes you smile. Value at McKay’s comes from curation as much as discounts.
Accessibility, atmosphere, and staff support
The store’s layout is open with wide aisles, which helps navigation. Carts roll easily across the floors, and signage is clear from a distance. Lighting is warm, making long sessions comfortable.
Atmosphere leans relaxed and friendly. You can browse quietly or ask questions without pressure. People watching adds to the charm as collectors and casual readers intersect.
Staff are approachable and knowledgeable about sections. If you want a nudge toward a genre, they offer quick pointers. They also keep lines moving efficiently during rush windows.
For accessibility, call ahead if you have specific needs. The team aims to accommodate and can advise on peak times. A little planning ensures a smooth, enjoyable visit.
Perfect timing: when to go for the best finds
Timing shapes what you discover at McKay’s Winston‑Salem. Morning visits catch fresh trade cycles and calmer aisles. Evenings invite lingering, especially on long hour days.
Midweek can feel efficient, though Wednesday closes early. Thursdays open at noon, which clusters arrivals and newly processed items. Weekends are lively, great for serendipity and people energy.
Loop the store more than once. Inventory appears in waves as carts hit the floor. A second lap often lands the surprise you missed initially.
Set a personal browsing rhythm and stick to it. If your sections look thin, switch to media or clearance and circle back. Patience is rewarded, exactly as this place promises.