Aberdeen’s retail scene is about to get a dose of nostalgia as Vintage Toys and Collectables opens its doors at 13 McCombie’s Court on Saturday, 1 February. The grand opening event will run from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, with goodie bags of treats for the first 30 customers, promising a day filled with excitement for collectors and vintage enthusiasts alike.
The shop is the brainchild of Chris Plant, a Bucksburn resident who turned a pandemic setback into a thriving business. Having started selling vintage toys online after losing his job during the Covid-19 lockdown, Chris has grown his passion project into a full-fledged enterprise. A shop where customers can buy, sell or trade-in collectable nostalgic old toys, action figures and other memorabilia.
“I realised it was now or never to turn my love for retro toys into something bigger,” Chris shares. “What began as a few online sales has grown steadily, and opening a physical shop felt like the natural next step.”
From Online Success to In-Store Experience
Chris’s journey began with an online store specialising in vintage video games, which naturally expanded into toys and collectables. The decision to open a shop stems from the unique appeal of seeing items in person.
“Online is great if you know exactly what you’re looking for, but with a physical shop, you might stumble upon something you didn’t even realise you wanted,” Chris explains.
While his online store will remain a significant part of his business, Chris sees the shop as an opportunity to connect with customers in a more tangible way.
What to Expect
The shop will offer a wide array of vintage and modern toys, catering to fans of all ages. Customers can look forward to browsing an extensive “Pokemon wall”, packed with sought-after cards that make up 70% of Chris’s sales, alongside rows of popular Funko Pop figures and rare collectables like a mint-condition Castle Grayskull priced at £500.
The store will also showcase display cabinets filled with high-value items, including iconic Star Wars memorabilia and retro wrestling figures. While some prized items, like Chris’s personal collection of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys, are off-limits, there will still be plenty to delight collectors and nostalgia seekers.
A Boost for Aberdeen’s City Centre
Chris is optimistic about the role independent businesses can play in revitalising Aberdeen’s city centre.
“There’s not much like this in Scotland, let alone Aberdeen,” he says. “Shops like mine give people a reason to come back into town. If we can attract more independent businesses, we’ll create a vibrant city centre that’s worth visiting.”
Aware of the challenges facing small businesses, Chris has kept his initial shop manageable, avoiding the hefty costs of high-street rents.
“This shop is a starting point,” Chris notes. “If it goes well, who knows? I’d love to move into a larger premises down the line.”
Looking Ahead
As Chris prepares to open his treasure trove outlet of toys and trinkets, he’s already thinking about what the future holds. Whether it is expanding his inventory, collaborating with other local businesses, or simply continuing to bring joy to his customers, he’s eager to see how the community responds.
Vintage Toys and Collectables promises to be more than just a shop—it’s a celebration of nostalgia, a hub for collectors, and a sign that independent businesses still have the power to transform city centres.
For more information, visit Vintage Toys and Collectables Aberdeen at 13 McCombie’s Court, Aberdeen, or follow their social media channels for updates.
