“It was then that I realized I could make
a profession out of this hobby,”
says Fairgrieve.
rent, and when my wife and I went to look at it, we knew it would be
perfect.” They named the shop Pop! Culture Connection and have
been in the same location ever since.
The store’s inventory spans a multitude of eras. “I have trains
dating back to 1873, pressed steel trucks dating back to the 1920s,
character toys including Howdy Doody and Popeye, Hot Wheels and
Matchbox cars from the 1950s and 1960s, superhero collectibles,
sports memorabilia, classic 1970s and 1980s toys including HeMan,
GI Joe, Transformers and Star Wars, battery operated and tin litho toys,
comic books that span the 1930s through the 1970s, metal characterthemed lunchboxes and so much more,” says Fairgrieve, admitting that
his favorite collectibles are the battery-operated and wind-up robots
he also has in stock. “I have a great appreciation for vintage robots and
have come across some amazing collections in my travels, including
the opportunity to purchase actor Corbin Bernsen’s prized robot
collection a few years ago.”
Fairgrieve also has toys that his wife and children specially favor.
“My wife loves the Jem and the Holograms, Princess of Power,
Strawberry Shortcake and My Little Pony displays,” he says. “My kids,
although young, already have an appreciation for vintage toys. They
especially love Battle Beasts and are constantly trying to negotiate with
their dad to own them,” laughs Fairgrieve.
Most items at Pop! Culture Connection are available for in-store
purchase, or can be followed on online auctions on Proxibid. The shop
also sells on eBay and Amazon. The store houses a large inventory and
can fulfill certain orders based on its large list of dealer networks as
well.
Fairgrieve obtains the shop’s inventory through various measures.
“We buy our inventory piece by piece from your typical everyday
families who have these pieces lying around,” he says. “We also buy
out entire collections from fellow collectors who are ready to liquidate
their collection.” The shop offers consignment services as well as
purchase programs, and will pay a fair market price based on what
current trends dictate, if one is interested in selling his/her items or
collections for cash.
With so many different ways of obtaining collectibles, all dealings
are done secondhand, and Fairgrieve welcomes all inquiries regarding
collections or individual pieces. “We love repurposing the delicacies of
the past and making them into someone’s next treasure,” he says.
“We love repurposing the delicacies
of the past and making them into
someone’s next treasure.”
Pop! Culture Connection is located at 105 East Pittsburgh Street
in Greensburg. The store is open Monday through Saturday from
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on Sundays. For more information, call
724.493.5716 or visit popcultureconnectionllc.com. n
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