They called time six years ago on their popular vintage and collectibles shop at Raglan wharf, but now Sue and Paul Marrow are back with a more “low-key” outlet for their treasures from a bygone era.
It’s the Raglan Retro Room – a small studio they’ve set up in Waikowhai in the style of the 50s, 60s and 70s, with a retro lounge suite gracing one end of the space, a formica table and vinyl chairs in sterling condition at the other.
Strains of Etta James might be playing quietly in the background while browsers survey Sue’s tastefully arranged shelves, her Crown Lynn pottery and colourful glass memorabilia on show under the subtle glow of vintage lamplight.
The mood is one of ambience, and Sue points out a couple of ornaments made of uranium glass which are “on trend”. The glass glows a brilliant, bright green in the dark because it has traces of uranium from the sand in it, she explains.
Passionate about collectibles, Sue has recently renewed her secondhand dealer’s licence so she and Paul could go full-steam ahead with their newly opened – albeit tiny – shop, having closed down Raglan Vintage & Retro at the wharf in 2020 with retirement in mind.
Not that they were about to give up on collecting, mind; they just wanted time to travel and to indulge other passions.
However with a few health niggles surfacing and a spare room full of accumulated treasures at their Waikowhai home, the couple – now in their seventies – decided to do it all again, only in miniature.
So Paul, a cabinetmaker by trade, began building a modest room on the front lawn to blend with their house and garage, despite the fact it would’ve been easier and cheaper to bring a pre-built structure on site.
Starting in October last year, he only finished the project a few weeks ago.
Sue was then quick to unpack stored boxes of bric-a-brac and suchlike and, barely a fortnight ago, officially opened Raglan Retro Room – she likes the alliteration – with a few friends over for “celebratory drinkies” and first inspection.
She has been busy arranging and rearranging stock to best advantage ever since, regularly posting online as to what’s currently up for sale.
Would-be buyers call or message, and arrange a time to come and browse.
The venture’s very “low-key,” she admits, because the limited space accommodates only one or two at a time. But that provides a more personal experience for both buyer and seller – which in turn is quite satisfying.
Neither is the retro room so all-consuming as the full-on business the couple ran for seven years, open as it was seven days a week in summer to keep up with demand.
That was rewarding, Sue reflects, though exhausting.
She’s happy now to buy and sell from the retro room her hubby of 55 years has built, and enjoy a more relaxed if only semi-retired lifestyle.
Call Sue on 027 231 5671 to arrange a time to view what’s currently up for sale.
