Retro Retailer (Monday)
What is a Retro Retailer? A “Retro Retailer” is either an online store or actual store that sells vintage, retro, dated, evocative, in period style, nostalgic, old world, old-fashioned, out-of-date, passe, or period specific merchandise that is either new, original, or old. If you are looking for retro items to spice up your kitchen, office, or wardrobe, this list will help you in finding the item you are looking for and also few items you can’t live without. These stores are not listed in any particular order. If I have not done a personal review of the business listed below I have not done business with them, so please buy at your own risk. Please let me know if you have any issues with anyone listed. I will take immediate action and delete them off the list. (if you have any stores you want to recommend or if you would like me to look at your business please contact me and let me know. You can email me at Skrach@VividlyVintage.com)
ANNOUNCEMENT: I have a ton of merchants that I have lined up for the Retro Retailer’s List. So many in fact that this week, I will be submitting one for every post this week. Maybe more if I am up to it. It will showcase a lot of really awesome web finds, neat-o products, one of a kind items, and some that you may of even had as a child.
www.RetroOutlet.com
Retro Outlet is an E-commerce website that carries a bunch of really neat items. I really like the Neon signs and old style lighting fixtures that they have. It says on their home page:
“Here at Retro Outlet you are going to find an amazing assortment of reproduction retro signs including the very popular metal signs that are sure to make a great addition to your wall decor. You will also see a great selection of retro and mod furniture. Our retro furniture selection includes diner styled bar stools, booths, and other furniture straight from the 1950’s and mod lunar chairs, glass tables, and pub sets from the groovy 1960’s that even Austin Powers would be envious of. And not to mention our extensive selection of Coca Cola® Collectable’s including reproduction Coca-Cola® Coolers, Coca-Cola® Diner Accessories and Coca-Cola® Furniture. If you need more wall decor we have it. This includes retro clocks and retro lighting that are sure to add that special touch to any kitchen, game room, restaurant, or entertainment venue. Want to top it all off with a jukebox or retro phone? Guess what… we have that also. Plus we are one of the only places in the world where you can purchase original 1970’s black light posters, these are all original prints and make a conversation piece in any room. The best part of it is you can have all of this at OUTLET LOW pricing because you are not paying for some novice to waste your time. Be sure to check back constantly since we add new retro merchandise often. Thanks and we hope you enjoy your Retro Savings!”
Here are a some products that I wanted to showcase, all of which are available on their website for your to purchase:
(click on the picture to visit the product site)
Here are a few of their clocks:
Simone Black Cat Clock
This lovable cat clock is a great addition to any wall, with its realistic blinking green eyes, complete with flirty eyelashes and elegant tail that swings back and forth.
This 3-dimensional character is a reproduction of the original 1950’s clock. It has a sturdy case construction, precision quartz movements and operates on 2 AA batteries which will last more than a year!
Dimensions: Total Length – 20″
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Styliner Clock
Styliner Clock Red – Styliner is a range of contemporary products shaped by the past. Designer Seamus Moran’s love of fifties/sixties US automobile styling is reflected in these pieces which are as modern as they are nostalgic. From the curvaceous wrap-around Styliner clock, to the industrial feel of the Tooth grill coat hook system, these are not reproductions of old style designs, they are reproducing an old style of designing, in which every-day objects can be glamorous and exciting as well as functional. Looks at home in a retro lounge,or in a minimalist studio
Product Size: 19″L x 10″H
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Orange CRUSH Clock
Double Bubble clocks, made from the 1940’s to the 1960’s are well-known for being the most attractive of all the advertising clocks. The clocks get their nickname, Double Bubble, because there is an inner crystal or glass bubble which displays the company logo. The hands of the clock are sandwiched between an outer crystal or glass bubble which usually displays the numbers of the clock. Overall Dimensions: 14.5″ in diameter Materials: Glass and metal Assembly: no assembly required
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Bob the Big Boy Clock
Giant rugged 20″ hand-formed aluminum case. Genuine neon tube gives off soft, energy-efficient glow that highlights clock design. Replaceable neon tube lasts up to 10 years even burned 24 hours a day. Clear glass face never discolors and cleans easily without scratching. Electric brass clock motor gives accurate trouble-free service over the years.
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Green 7up Clock
7Up (Green) Neon Clock
Light up your game room, garage, or even your office with this neon clock with a chrome style trim!
The clock is battery powered (1 AA battery), and the neon tube plugs into any 110 V outlet.
Product Size: 14″H x 14″L x 2.5″W
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Here are a few items from their “lighting” section:
Martini Lamp
The Martini Lamp is a sophisticated accessory for any bar, desk or any room. It features a sturdy nickel-plated chrome frame, oversized plastic olive, giant wooden toothpick, and deep red pimento bulb that provides a mesmerizing martini suggestive glow.
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Woodie Neon Light
Light up your game room, bar or any other room in the house with this Woody Neon Sign Product Size: 33.5″L x 15.5″H x 6.5″W
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Orange Crush Neon Light
Orange Crush Classic Neon Sign Product Size: 39″L x 39″H x 6.5″W
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Chevrolet Neon Light
Light up your game room, bar or any other room in the house with this Genuine Chevrolet Parts Neon Sign
Product Size: 43″L x 37″H x 5.9″W
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Art Deco Pendant
Satin Aluminum Hand-blown Art Deco pendant. Satin on white on clear glass. White cord with decorative satin cap and canopy. Size: 14-3/8″ diameter, 12-1/4″ high, cord 48″.
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Furniture items:
Retro Diner Booth
Retro Diner Booth (2) 44″ Booth Benches with Single Color Stratford Vinyl and Piping (1) 24″ x 42″ White Table Top with 1.25″ Metal Banding and Classic Chrome Column Base.
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They have a furniture section also, here are few pieces of their furniture that they have on their site:
Tavillo Table
The lighted Tavillo Table is an innovation that combines a glass table with a light. The table top is supported by a plastic cone that serves as a shade and hides an interior metal pole and lighting unit that attaches to the chrome base. Includes an on/off foot pedal switch. Takes a 25 watt Type T bulb.
Available in lemon yellow, licorice black, ice white, chocolate brown, and emerald green
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They also carry kitchen accessories:
Retro Sprite Napkin Dispenser. Metal w/ Chrome Plated Trim, Spring Loaded Dispensing Mechanism, and Rubber Feet (Napkins sold separately).
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This condiment squeeze bottle set is perfect to complete your retro dining experience. Each set includes (3) 12 oz bottles (Red, Yellow and Clear) each with a retro waitress logo.
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Coke bottle opener is made of sturdy die-cast metal and plastic. It can be mounted on any solid surface. Coca cola bottle opener catches the caps. Durable and decorative.
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They have a few household items like mirrors, phones, and audio devices that are retro and vintage but are updated to accommodate today’s living and styles:
TV Mirror
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1920’s Candlestick Phone
The Candlestick phone, also known as the ‘upright’, initially became popular during the early 1900’s before the introduction of the one-piece handset. The first Candlestick phones were introduced when the magneto system was in use, which meant that the phone was connected to a large wooden box called a “subset” containing a battery, bell, and crank. But oh have we come a long way. From its bell-shaped mouthpiece to its cloth-covered receiver cord, this telephone replica recalls a vintage instrument from the 1900’s. But a closer look reveals some modern technology including a decorative dial that functions as a push button for tone/pulse operation as well as a center medallion that serves as a redial button.
Rotary Dial Fashion Plate, Push Button Technology, Ringer Volume ON/OFF Switch, Tone/Pulse Switch, Earpiece Volume Control, ETL Listed, 90 Day Limited Warranty.
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Country Wall Phone I
This colonial style country wall phone is an authentic reproduction of early American heritage. While this beautiful recreation is designed to provide extremely high-quality communications, it has all the charm of the faithful original. Introduced in the early 1920’s, this classic features a crank handle that actually turns.
The Crosley Country Wall Phone features touch-tone buttons with a rotary look. The handcrafted wood and veneer cabinet is enhanced with striking brushed bronze-plated hardware. This beauty is as functional as it is fabulous as it includes a recipe-style compartment, volume controls for ringer and receiver and the option to change between tone/pulse.
Hand Rubbed Oak, Push Button Dial, Redial Feature, Polished Brass Accents, ETL Listed, 90 Day Limited Warranty.
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Corsair Radio
When it comes to our most cherished electronic item, let’s face it, our alarm clock probably doesn’t rank right up there at the top of the list. Who really enjoys that annoying reminder to get out of bed each morning anyway? Well, cry “sleep” no more!
Crosley’s Corsair clock radio with CD player is not only functional, but fabulous. Styled out like a 1950’s automobile, this beauty features enough color and chrome to get your engine revved up and rolling each morning.
This vintage icon has clean, streamlined sophistication coupled with all the functionality one could ever hope for. Modern day conveniences incorporate an AM/FM radio, programmable CD player, dual alarms that can be set and used independently and as if that weren’t enough you can opt to wake to CD, radio or buzzer alarm. Combine these features with dynamic stereo speakers and you have no reason not to get out of bed each morning!
Details:
CD Player
Programmable 20-Track Memory
LED Display
Repeat and Random Play
Digital Alarm Clock
Dual Independent Alarms
Wake to Tone or Music
Snooze or Sleep Functions
AM/FM Radio
Analog Tuner
External FM Antenna
Dynamic Full Range Stereo Speakers
Function Select
Headphone Jack
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10 CD Jukebox with iPod Dock with Stand
Each unit is individually checked and tested extensively to meet the highest standards of quality workmanship. It is then painstakingly wrapped, packaged, and boxed for shipping.
Specs:
Ipod Ready AM/FM Radio with Digital Tuner, Dynamic 4 Speaker Stereo System, Front Loading 10 Disc Changer, LCD Display, Random Play and Repeat Play, Percolating Bubble Tubes, Authentic Neon Lighting, External Speaker Outputs, Separate Bass/Treble Controls, EQ Presets, Disc Storage Area In Base, Full Function Remote Control, Decorative Musical Play List
Color: Cherry
Size: 25.5″w X 44.25″h X 15″d
Shipping Weight: 112 lbs
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Cathedral CD Radio
The Cathedral radio, introduced in 1932, is one of the most widely recognized designs of all antique radios. It has quite simply been dubbed the “Cathedral” or is sometimes referred to as the “Gothic.”
This remarkably rich replica is outfitted with an arched veneered top and applied solid wood moldings are hand-rubbed to perfection using Crosley’s same unflinching standards. It’s smooth round edges, woven grill cloths, detailed framework and antique bronze face plate lend a true air of authenticity to this time-honored Crosley.
The Cathedral CD features a programmable CD player with LED display. It is so much like the original, but with all the bells and whistles of present-day technology.
CD Player
Programmable 20-Track Memory
LED Display
AM/FM Radio
Analog Tuner
External FM Antenna
Dynamic Full Range Speakers
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1932 Tow Truck Pedal Car
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Classic Picnic Cooler- Nugrape
Most model coolers have limited production runs. If it says limited edition, when they’re gone, that’s really the end of them.
Cooler Specifications:
Overall Dimensions: 11.5″L x 9″W x 14″H
Materials: Steel, aluminum, and insulation
Finish: Scratch resistant, rust resistant, non-toxic, lead free powder coating.
Insulation: Refrigeration type
Assembly: no assembly required
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These coolers are embossed. Most model coolers have limited production runs. If it says limited edition, when they’re gone, that’s really the end of them.
Cooler Specifications
Overall Dimensions: 11.5″L x 9″W x 14″H
Materials: Steel, aluminum, and insulation
Finish: Scratch resistant, rust resistant, non-toxic, lead free powder coating.
Insulation: Refrigeration type
Assembly: no assembly required
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They also have a whole section on signs:
Cold Drinks Here Metal Sign
This is the original rusted metal signs! Artisans “age” each sign with edge wear, minor scratches and spots, and a special rusting process that separates these signs from any others.
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Saber Jet Motor Lodge 12″ x 14″ Metal Sign. This is the original rusted metal signs! Artisans “age” each sign with edge wear, minor scratches and spots, and a special rusting process that separates these signs from any others.
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Playland Metal Sign
Playland 4″ x 20″ Metal SignInv.
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Fine Souvenirs Metal Sign
This is the original rusted metal signs! Artisans “age” each sign with edge wear, minor scratches and spots, and a special rusting process that separates these signs from any others.
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Eat Drink Be Merry Metal Sign
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Buy American 10″ x 24″ Metal Sign. This is the original rusted metal signs! Artisans “age” each sign with edge wear, minor scratches and spots, and a special rusting process that separates these signs from any others.
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Bomber Bread Metal Sign
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I also like these Back lit signs:
Lighted Signs
Choose from 4 Different Lighted Signs
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Here are the same photos that I have above, just put in a gallery.
So that wraps it up for Monday’s entry for the first Retro Retailer of this week. Remember there will be 4 more spanning through the next four days. They have so much that I couldn’t showcase because if I did this blog entry would be miles long. So check out their website.
www.RetroOutlet.com
I hoped you enjoyed seeing some of the items that they have for sale, and maybe you will decide to purchase something as well. Please let me know if you do business with them as I have not purchased anything from them yet. Also if you buy anything from any one of the business’s on my Retro Retailers List please take a photo of yourself and/or an action shot of your purchase in your home, and write a review and I will gladly post it on my site. Just shoot the email to Skrach@VividlyVintage.com
Thanks for reading,
Skrach