‘IT’S THE WEIRDEST SHOP FOR MILES!’
Falklands War veteran selling gym vaulting horse, Second World War bikes and sign from Bond film
A FORMER soldier with an eye for the unusual has opened up a new shop selling weird and wonderful collectibles and clothing.
Steve Brown, aged 58, took over the unit in Bridge Street, Congleton, a fortnight ago and worked flat out to get Steve’s Antiques and Fantasy Glamour Retro Clothing ready for its opening last Saturday.
As well as the clothing and antiques, Steve has also amassed a collection of some more unusual items, including an illuminated stage door sign from James Bond film set, a set of airline in-flight cabin crew trolleys, and some Second World War Air Raid Precaution (ARP) wardens’ bikes.
“Everything’s weird in here,” says Steve, who also works in security and served in the Falklands War in the 2nd Medical Brigade. “It’s got to be the weirdest stuff for miles.”
It was a long slog for Steve to find a suitable shop for his business, having previously been a regular on the markets. A recent stint at an out-of-town site brought in little in the way of passing trade.
But he hopes that the new town centre location will mean customers will come thick and fast. And, so far, the signs are encouraging.
He adds: “The number of people who’ve come in while we’ve been setting up and said, ‘We really need this here, this is the best thing ever!’ It’s been great.
“We have some weird and wonderful stuff. Loads of retro clothing from the 50s through to the 80s, and most of it women’s clothing. We’ve got an old gym vaulting horse that you could easily turn into a bar in your house.
“I just look for the things that are a bit different, that people can use a bit of imagination with.”