Shop of the Week- The Collectibles Chest

This week’s Shop of the Week is TheCollectiblesChest owned by Pam.

What is the meaning behind your shop name?
Over the years, I had collected some toys that had special meaning to me as well as others I remembered but didn’t experience. I felt it was time for me to share these toys with others in the hope they too would recall some special memories or just bring a smile to their face. I also thought the younger generation might enjoy seeing these toys that maybe their mom, dad, or relative had played with or owned. I had also been collecting paper ephemera and loved the lithograph colors and advertising. Some of my paper items had such beautiful artwork that I felt it was a shame not to share as well. As a result of these thoughts, I decided to open a shop to accomplish my goal. My first thought for a name was The Toy Chest, but that didn’t encompass all that I wanted to share. Eventually, the name, “The Collectibles Chest” came to me and it seemed to reflect all I had to offer now and for the future as I expanded. Thus, my company name came about and off I went to open a shop.

How did you get your start selling vintage?
I initially started selling on EBay and eventually gave that up, as I didn’t feel connected to the community and buyers the way I wanted. I next tried Amazon and still didn’t get the feeling I had envisioned from opening a shop. I wanted to feel part of something that was making a difference. Eventually, I found Etsy and was amazed at how the community of other sellers were there with open arms to help me, encourage me, and to learn from. I also loved the feedback I was receiving from buyers. It made me feel it was a good decision to open a shop and I was realizing my dream of sharing my treasures with others to enjoy.

What is your favorite item in your shop right now, and what makes it special to you?

wind up tin bird

I think my favorite thing in my shop right now is an old tin wind-up toy bird, as I like the lithograph colors and the fact that it still works given its age is great.

What is the most unusual or amazing item you have sold from your shop?
I sold a Charpente Winnie the Pooh Figurine from the 1970s and I thought he was just the most amazing item. Pooh was made in a rough carved design in a sitting position with jointed arms. He had a tag attached to a ribbon around his neck that read: “Promise you won’t forget me ever, not even when I’m a hundred.”

What social media platforms do you use? Share your links with us, so we can follow you!

Unfortunately, I haven’t mastered the social media platforms yet. It’s hard to teach this old dog new tricks. Some day I hope to become more proficient at this so I can keep up with the times.