Economic stability, friendly people and reasonable living costs brought Cool and Eclectic owner John Estes to Austin from Virginia Beach, Va., in May 2012. His store's third location on Lakeline Mall's second floor showcases furniture, vintage items, vinyl records, unique gifts and oddities from throughout the world.

"I look for something that I think people will say is very unusual and unique. Our motto for the store is, 'Where it is usual to find the unusual,'" Estes said. "I used to sell what everybody else sold, but the normal furniture store became kind of boring to me. I started bringing in new things, and it became a challenge to find things I didn't see anywhere else."

Estes said he hand-picks items from approximately 4,500 different vendors offering sports- and movie-themed collectibles, musical instruments, home dcor and more. Store Manager Daniel Jamal said oftentimes customers enter Cool and Eclectic to see familiar faces such as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn on the posters and artwork for sale.

"Our merchandise brings back good memories for some people in the older generation," Jamal said. "They enjoy being in here and seeing our vintage and retro pieces."

The store offers shipping anywhere in the world and free layaway. Estes operates two Cool and Eclectic shops in Virginia as well as another location in San Antonio.

Cool and Eclectic, 1200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park, 512-250-5858