Park Street Book Store a Blast from the Past

At an age when most young adults are just approaching life’s launch pad, the owner of Alameda’s Rocket Reuse has already taken off. 

At age 27, Eric Nelson is already a husband, father of a 2-year-old son and owner of what has become one of Park Street’s favorite haunts. 

The tiny Rocket Reuse store at 1355 Park St. is attracting a devoted following of book lovers and retro clothing fans as well as a steady stream of theater and restaurant goers just out for a stroll.

It used to be called before Nelson took over ownership of the store last year from its previous proprietor, Michael Johnson. Nelson had helped manage Blue Rectangle from the time it opened in 2007. He was also involved with the business before it established its retail location, when it operated as a strictly online book business that started in 2003. 

Today Rocket Reuse sells an eclectic mix of gently used merchandise including books, VHS tapes, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, puzzles, games, video games and vintage clothing for men, women and children. It also sells what Nelson calls "vintage-inspired" clothing that, while not old, references past eras.

Nelson said he has always loved antiques and devoured books from a young age. His eye for both gives the store a cozy retro feel that makes shoppers want to linger. 

He grew up in Concord but moved to Alameda in 2003. Nelson, his wife Denise, a stay-at-home mom, and their son James live just blocks from the store, making it possible for Nelson to walk to work and put in 80-hour weeks buying and selling merchandise. 

“The great thing about Alameda is its small-town feel,” said Nelson. “I know a lot of names and faces. I can’t walk home without running into lots of people who know me.” 

Nelson said his parents' love of reading — particularly his mother’s — probably rubbed off on him. Even before selling books in Alameda, Nelson worked at a Half Price Books store in the Bay Area. "I've been selling books for years," he said. “My father predicted I would open up a bookstore one day.”

Rocket Reuse buys items any time it is open. (Current hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) 

Would-be sellers leave their items at the store while Nelson decides what he wants to buy. Sellers can pick up whatever remains, usually the next day. Cash or store credit is provided. Sellers with large numbers of items to bring into the store can ask to borrow a handcart or arrange in advance to have assistance.

Nelson can be reached at rocketreuse@gmail.com or 510-337-0750. Follow Rocket Reuse on Facebook here.