Retro Collectables
As the curator of a treasure trove of toys capable of realising countless childhood dreams, Abid Khan is unprepared to compromise when it comes to the safety and security of his stock.
The owner of Retro Collectables, a company specialising in the sale of vintage and sought-after toys, is acutely aware that items in his inventory often hold significant sentimental value – regardless of their ultimate resale ticket.
Whether a Subbuteo set that never found its way into a Christmas stocking or Boba Fett figure once beyond the price point of a young Star Wars’ fan’s pocket money, it is vital Abid’s rare finds are kept in the best possible condition for customers.
It is a job the eagle-eyed entrepreneur entrusts to Big Yellow, where his collection of classic consoles, comics and diecast models occupy two units ahead of appearing at auction, toy fairs or conventions.
“I’ve been using the store as a base for five years and can’t fault it,” said Abid, who has been trading in nostalgia for more than two decades. “Big Yellow is a fantastic company; its staff are very helpful – they really can’t do enough for me – and I have peace of mind knowing that my stock is secure and dry.
"I moved my collection to the Big Yellow store after seeing that other businesses were running their operations there and I haven’t looked back; the extended hours access is so convenient when it comes to going to and from sales."
Although bringing second-hand toy trains and Lego rockets to market is literal child’s play, Abid was quick to stress that taking home hard to come by collectables can require a mature budget.
A Catalonia-coloured Subbuteo team, Star Wars Yak Face figure, James Bond car and Philips CD-i games console are among the prized possessions to have departed the Big Yellow-based business for three-figure sums.
“There has been a definite boom in the market,” added the 49-year-old, explaining how the coronavirus pandemic has sparked a significant step-up in interest from adults for the games, building sets and toys of their youth. “Prices have rocketed with people desperate to buy things they either had when they were younger or that one toy they always wanted but couldn’t afford.
“I think the lockdowns gave some people the time to explore their old hobbies and watch classic TV shows and films and you’d be shocked by how much gets spent on toys every week.”
While delighted by the increase in demand for the pre-1990s’ toys he sources from across the UK, Abid insists it is passion – rather than profit – that keeps him enthused about fulfilling the wish lists of other collectors.
The self-confessed “big kid”, whose retro retail outfit evolved from buying and selling old video games, concluded: “I really enjoy my job – even after spending an entire weekend at back-to-back shows, it doesn’t feel like I’ve been to work.
“It’s very satisfying being able to put smiles on faces and there have been occasions when I’ve given someone something from my collection simply because I can see what it means to them.”
For more information, visit www.retro-collectables.co.uk/