Collectables Past & Present - Whitby

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Whitby, a charming coastal town in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, lies Collectables Past & Present, a treasure trove of nostalgia and hobbyist delights. Situated at 23 Skinner Street, this model shop has been a beloved institution among locals and visitors alike for many years, earning a reputation for its extensive collection of collectibles and exceptional customer service.

Collectables Past & Present is not just a shop; it's a journey through time, a place where the past meets the present, and where every visit promises a unique and exciting experience. The shop specializes in offering a wide array of model kits, figures, and collectibles that cater to various interests, from history enthusiasts to pop culture aficionados.

Main Services

• Model Kits: The shop boasts an extensive collection of model kits, ranging from historical aircraft and military vehicles to cars, motorcycles, and even futuristic sci-fi models. Whether you're a seasoned modeler or a beginner, you'll find something to inspire you here.
• Action Figures and Collectibles: Collectables Past & Present stocks a diverse range of action figures and collectibles, spanning various franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, DC Comics, and more. You'll find rare and exclusive pieces, as well as classic favorites.
• Historic and Nostalgic Items: The shop also offers a selection of historic and nostalgic items, including vintage toys, games, and memorabilia. These pieces are not only fascinating but also provide a glimpse into the past, reminding us of simpler times.
• Accessories and Tools: To complement their model kits, the shop stocks a variety of modeling tools, paints, and accessories. They also provide expert advice on how to use these tools, ensuring customers get the most out of their modeling experience.

Location and Access

Collectables Past & Present is conveniently located at 23 Skinner Street, in the heart of Whitby's town center. The shop is easily accessible, with Whitby Train Station just a short walk away. For those traveling by car, there's a wheelchair-accessible car park nearby at the Peasholm Car Park, which is just a 2-minute walk from the shop.

The shop's location also places it in close proximity to other local attractions. history buffs can visit the Whitby Abbey and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, while art lovers can explore the Pannett Park Art Gallery. With so much to see and do nearby, Collectables Past & Present makes for a great pit stop during a day of exploring Whitby.

Featured Characteristics

• Expert Knowledge: The shop's owner and staff are highly knowledgeable about the products they sell, providing personalized recommendations and helpful advice to customers. Their passion for collectibles is evident in their commitment to helping others find the perfect pieces for their collections.
• Unique Layout: The shop's layout is an eclectic mix of old and new, reminiscent of a traditional British sweet shop. This unique atmosphere adds to the overall charm of the shopping experience, making it a memorable visit for customers.
• Rarity and Exclusivity: Collectables Past & Present prides itself on stocking rare and exclusive items that can't be found elsewhere. This commitment to offering something different ensures that customers always find something new and exciting to add to their collections.

Practical Information

• Opening Hours: The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, it's always a good idea to check their website or give them a call before visiting to confirm their current opening hours.
• Payment Methods: The shop accepts cash and cheques as payment methods. They do not accept card payments at this time.
• Delivery and In-Store Shopping: Collectables Past & Present offers both delivery and in-store shopping options. Customers can browse and purchase items online, with delivery available throughout the UK and internationally. Alternatively, customers can visit the shop in person to explore the vast collection and make their purchases.

Positive Aspects Mentioned in Reviews

Customers have praised Collectables Past & Present for several aspects of their service and products. Some of the most commonly mentioned positive points include:

• Knowledgeable Staff: Customers appreciate the staff's expertise and willingness to help, whether it's providing recommendations or offering advice on modeling techniques.
• Unique Inventory: The shop's vast and eclectic collection is often praised, with customers excited to find rare and exclusive items they can't find elsewhere.
• Charming Atmosphere: Customers enjoy the shop's unique layout and atmosphere, describing it as quirky, nostalgic, and a delight to browse.
• Excellent Customer Service: The staff's friendliness and helpfulness are consistently praised, with customers feeling valued and well-catered to throughout their shopping experience.

With an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 105 Google My Business reviews, it's clear that Collectables Past & Present has made a significant impact on its customers. The shop's commitment to offering a wide range of collectibles, exceptional customer service, and a unique shopping experience have all contributed to its success.

👍 Reviews of Collectables Past & Present

Jason F.

5/5

Brilliant shop, very quirky. The owner’s very knowledgeable and helpful. The shop layout isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but I like it. It reminds me of open all hours. Love going to a shop where the owner interacts with customers rather than a shop worker just taking your money. Will be back when I visit Whitby again. Proper vintage toy shop

Audrey P.

5/5

Annual visit was a delight, as always. As a casual collector I usually turn up with no idea what I want, but come away with at least 2 items I love. The owner is knowledgeable and charming, knows his stock, and will suggest items based on my vague waffling. Superb.
Remember to take cash, and be prepared to spend the lot on a cluster of amazing purchases.

M B.

2/5

The owner seemed somewhat knowledgable about his stock… but that’s kind of the weird thing, they needed to be because you couldn’t browse the shop only stand in the doorway! It’s the most unusual shop set up I’ve ever seen, seems a waste of real estate to have all that space but operate it as a kiosk.

Any chance of me making an impulse buy was zero, they didn’t have the specific thing I was looking for so that was the end of it as I couldn’t then browse.

To give an idea of what this shops like, it’s like shopping online without any of the benefits of shopping online. Incredibly bizarre.

Craig H.

5/5

A great shop, an Aladdin’s cave of treasure. My 6 year old son is an avid collector of model cars, who knows what he likes. We have been coming to Whitby for a number of years and always make sure we stop by, today being this year’s visit. As someone who owns mountains of cars he is always able to add plenty when stopping by here.

Originally stopping by as a 3/4 year old, we have always found it a great experience when buying here. Plenty time and patience with a small boy making big decisions.

Finally as a personal note, while shopping here over the years my son has been undergoing treatment for Leukaemia. When immune compromised, the extra care and attention shown here was always welcomed by us as a family.

No surprise to me to see the queue outside the shop at opening today, clearly very popular.

Adrian B.

1/5

As a disabled couple.
The Wife in a mobility scooter and myself with a walking stick. It took us 30 minutes to climb up the hill to get to this shop. 8 minutes for the able bodied.
I wanted to browse the railway stuff with the intention to buy one or two locomotives.
I asked if I could browse the shop, but was told I had to browse from the doorway.
Sorry.
I just said I would go elsewhere.

Stella W.

5/5

Excellent service....we had Seen some items in the window...it was past opening times ...so I emailed Richard sent him some photos of what I wanted....he also helped me out with some other items I wanted ....he was very polite, very professional extremely helpful , straight after the payment, items were sent and delivered....10/10 ..thankyou so much 🙂

Emma G.

5/5

Great shop and great customer service from the owner, very knowledgeable and friendly! Me and my parents always visit this shop every year. A real retail gem.

Claire

5/5

Purchased several Star Wars figures on our visit to Whitby and over the moon with them. Shop owner was very helpful with talking through what he had and showing me many figures. Just wish I’d purchased the tauntaun now!