Building Retropolistic: Why I'm starting this store (and why it's not just about selling stuff)
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📅 Posted: 13 July 2025
🕹️ From the Ground Up
I’ve been working hourly jobs for a long time — and while I’m grateful for every paycheck that’s kept me moving forward, there’s always been this sense that I’m meant to build something more. That I can create, or in the very least, curate something unique. Something that reflects all the weird, nostalgic, creative energy I’ve carried with me since I was a kid.
That’s what Retropolistic is becoming.
This isn’t just a store. It’s an experiment. A personal project. A place for people who still care about physical media, character design, world-building, old-school charm, and handmade creativity. If any of this resonates with you, then you're in the right spot — I’m building this for you.
And for me.
🎮 Why Retro? Why Now?
I’ve always loved the way old media can feel so tactile and alive — the whir of a CRT TV, the textures of a practical movie set, the bold fonts of arcade marquees. I also love how these things bring people together. Retro culture isn’t just about looking back — it’s about keeping alive what made this stuff special in the first place.
This store is my way of doing that.
I’ll be selling:
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Unique collectibles and vintage finds (the kind I’ve personally hunted down)
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Art and products made by independent creators
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Small-batch goods that reflect pop culture, sci-fi, horror, fantasy, games, and all the weird spaces in between
Everything is handpicked, heart-led, and intentionally offbeat.
📹 Documenting the Process
I'm filming everything as I go — not because I have it all figured out, but because I think there's something valuable in the chaos. I’m learning as I go. If you’re interested in how someone starts a store from scratch — from building the website to reaching out to artists, finding inventory, and hopefully making something real — I’m sharing the entire process on YouTube and Instagram.
This blog will be a place for deeper updates, thoughts, wins, frustrations, and community-building.
📦 The First Items
Right now, I’m listing some of my personal finds — retro game systems, old-school merch, and oddities I’ve collected over time. These will live in a section I’m calling Collector’s Corner, a sort of rotating sale of vintage treasures.
Eventually, I want this to be a hub where artists can show their work, sell through the store, and get promoted in the process. That’s the long game.
🛠️ What Comes Next?
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Finish setting up the storefront
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Start reaching out to independent artists and makers
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Build a catalog that feels alive and unexpected
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Tell stories around the objects and art we sell
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Keep sharing the journey — honestly and imperfectly
If you’ve ever wanted to build something yourself, or if you’re just into the same weird stuff I am, I’d love for you to follow along.
✉️ Stay Connected
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Instagram: @retropolistic
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YouTube: @Retropolistic
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