I was just in Reno in October. I was there on business and didn't have a bunch of time to look around. I did manage to locate the REI store, but that was about it. (No Emersons)
While your there, you have to eat at the "Claim Jumper" restaurant. I'm tellin ya, I never ate so good in my life. It's a "must visit".
I also hit Virginia City, Tahoe and passed what I think was downtown Carson City (not a huge place).
Have fun and give us a report on the knife situation there.
John