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Feature: Jenny Coggins
NESTLING on the streets of Soho, this particular branch is one
of two London stores. The other, more suitably placed on 'street
of books', Charing Cross Road, may be in a better location,
but this one has more stock, so is worth braving the red lights
and strip club bouncers for.
As you delve in, there is a slightly musty smell, which increases
as you go down to the second floor, but get past this and you
will discover some great buys.
This is a strange shop, really. It's a mix of brand new novelty
objects, whose only value is kitsch, and then there are the vintage
magazines, carrying both a monetary and sentimental value.
This contrast makes for interesting shopping. You are bound to
find somebody a present, no matter who you went in for.
The huge wall of postcards is one of the first things you notice
when entering the store.
With old film posters, actors and cartoons, you can say your
greetings in style.
They sure beat the tacky Princess Diana postcards that most places
in London flog. Sets of cards go for £4.99, or they can
be bought, individually, for 50p.
This devotion to photography continues across the shop, with
a big selection of photos.
Mostly black and white, and of actors, it is good fun to have
a look through these, as you often find pics the stars would cringe
at now (i.e. J Lo prior to the bling bling).
These can be bought, individually, for £3.99, or three
can be picked up for £9.99. To dress it up a bit, you can
also have them framed in store.
Upping the scale, again, are the posters. Covering mainly music
and film, it is £4.99 for an average sized poster, and £7.99
for the big ones.
As well as the standard US/British posters, there are artworks
from different countries, too. It's fascinating to see, for example,
what the Japanese print for Amelie was like. You won't pay much
more for these, and they are a great talking point for the home.
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To keep the store easy to navigate, whole sections are dedicated
to certain stars/cartoons. You will be able to find all of The
Simpsons stock together,and the same goes for all of the Elvis
stuff. Here, there are lots of gifts that you'll be hard pushed
to find elsewhere.
Despite these quality collectables, there are a few dodgy items
lurking on the shelves.
Tacky fake Oscars and clapperboards may seem like good fun for
a joke present, but, ultimately, when the laughing has worn off,
there is no place for such tat.
You are much better off buying a Hotel Fob keyring, for either
the Bates Motel or the Overlook Hotel (£7.99). Novel, but
also practical, it means the recipitant won't lose their keys
in a hurry.
The Vintage Magazine Store recognise that a computer must be
loved and have a great selection of mousemats to show your appreciation.
Going for £7.99 a time, you can give your mouse an A-Team,
Barberella or Marc Bolan mat to sit on among others.
The massive magazine selection is quite unlike anything you will
see in any Wh-Smith.
Located downstairs, it is divided up into sections from 1900s-2000s
and has some genuine collector's items.
The women's magazines from the 50's are particularly good for
giggles and are bound to fetch a nice price in an auction.
If you are looking to feed a hobby, there are plenty of fashion
and film magazines.
A Harpers and Queen issue, from the 70s, is on sale for £20,
but will definitely increase in value.
If you love music, have a flick through the NME backlog.
Stretching back over several years, you are bound to find your
favourite band on the cover of a back-issue.
If you want to shift a few old copies of magazines yourself,
the shop also buys back-issues, as well as selling them.
39-43 Brewer Street, W1F 9UD
020 7439 8525
Mon-Thur: 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat: 10am-10pm and Sun noon -8pm
www.vinmag.com
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