Collectibles from when things were built to last

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/9/2017 (851 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

AJ’s Collectibles and More, a new business at 220 Henderson Hwy, sells all sorts of funky old stuff in great condition.

I met with one of the owners, Justin Tyme who has been busy moving his inventory in from Findlay, Man., an old ghost town in southwestern Manitoba that his family bought.

"I was selling antiques out of the old grocery store. I was excited to find this new location, we had been looking for about a year," Justin said. "When this place became available, I peeked inside and saw the tin cladding siding (and) I knew this was the perfect environment for what we have."

AJ’s is one of those stores that has something that will appeal to everyone, from an age when toys and tools were made to last.

"It’s nice to see a lot of our products are refurbished to be reused, like our bikes that come in the store have come from scrap yards that we’ve built back up to be rideable and usable," Justin said, referring to a classic, comfortable-looking ride on display.

An old medal pedal car sit in the display window reminds me of my racing days.

"We carry a lot of different metals, you will see brass, copper and different tins and stuff like that, we even have lead soldiers and cast iron chairs," Justin said.

"I’ve been a collector my whole life but now I’m a seller too," he went on. "For me its about seeing the smile on the customer’s faces. My goal is to make people reminisce about the good times, the memory of that moment that made you happy."

Whether you’re into comics, cards or kitchenware, there is something here for you to find.

"Whatever entertains you," Justin said. "I don’t like pigeon holing myself in one spot, we prefer anything vintage, ’70s and earlier.  It brings a smile to my face when new collectors come in and they start saying ‘Look at this, I remember this, back when...’"

"Come check us out," said Justin, "We are open most evenings and we bring in a box of new product daily."

Parking is available in behind the store, and I would recommend bringing the kids through  the rear entrance, where there is a large mural featuring Batman characters.

You can also check out AJ’s Collectibles and More on Facebook, where they post pics and updates.

Evan Comstock is a community correspondent for East Kildonan.