Entering Retro Spin Shop, 446 Main St. in Monroe, Conn., is like stepping out of a time machine, Shelves display metal lunchboxes many grew up with, including “The Hardy Boys Mysteries” and “Gremlins,” an alarm clock is modeled after The Mystery Machine, the van in the cartoon, “Scooby Doo,” and there is a vast collection of vintage record albums, from Kiss to Janis Joplin, and classic movies like “Ghostbusters” and “Star Wars.”
The business was founded by Ron Webb, a lifelong enthusiast of records, tapes, music memorabilia, classic animation and retro movies, who opened his shop in August of 2023 with the slogan: “Serving You a Nostalgic Slice of Retro Merchandise.”
He recently joined the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, which formally welcomed him with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday afternoon.
First Selectman Terry Rooney, State Sen. Jason Perillo, R-21st, Monroe Chamber President Ray Giovanni and Lawren Hubal of the Monroe Economic Development Commission attended the event.
“I just want to thank the whole town of Monroe for coming out here and making my dream come true,” Webb said of officials who organized the event. “I just want to have a retro-good time.”
Among his friends and supporters were Patrick Prince, editor of “Goldmine” the music collector’s magazine, and Charles Rosenay, author of the book, “The Top 10 Beatles Lists,” as well as books in the horror genre. Rosenay organizes festivals celebrating the Beatles and The Monkeys.
Whenever Rosenay needs a record vendor, he said Webb is the first one he turns to. “We’ve been friends, probably 40 years,” Rosenay said.
Of Retro Spin Shop, Rosenay said, “it’s probably one of the best stores in the state, not just for the variety. It has old stuff, current stuff and he’s got retro lunch boxes and stereo systems. It’s a hidden gem. It’s one of Connecticut’s best kept secrets.”
Prince said “Goldmine” magazine is “for music enthusiasts and collectors, with everything from 8-tracks to memorabilia, to stories on newer bands like Sleep Token.”
“We cover it all,” Prince said, adding, “I love Ron’s store, because he has everything, from records and laser discs to cassettes and vintage stereo equipment.”
Susannah Estrada, of Monroe, heard about Friday’s grand opening ceremony, so she brought her daughter and a friend after school.
“I love a lot of the ’80s music,” Estrada said of what she was looking for.
The first selectman wielded a giant pair of scissors, while helping Webb cut the yellow ribbon.
“On behalf of the town of Monroe, we’d like to welcome Ron Webb and his business here,” Rooney said. “This is a perfect example of what we want to see in our town.”
Rooney said Retro Spin Shop represents an eclectic new idea of how to use an empty commercial space in town.
“It’s an old shop with retro records and things that people love, but it’s also a nice concept in town and these are the kinds of things that we can use these spaces for,” he said. “We’re very happy to have you here. We’re very happy that you’re interested in doing business in Monroe.”
Senator Perillo told Webb not to hesitate to reach out to him or Rooney any time he needs help.
“To your family and your business, we really are so appreciative of you bringing these kind of novelties to our town,” Giovanni said. “There are not many towns that are going to be able to brag that they have such a thing. Over the last 40 years, I think I could identify most of those labels that are in there, so it’s trivia for sure.”
“We hope you do very well with us, and we’re gonna support you in any way we can to let everybody know how we have this nice little niche here in our town,” he continued, “and we’re proud of it, so congratulations and best wishes moving forward.”
Retro Spin Shop’s store hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. The store also does business online and has a strong social media presence. For information, call Retro Spin at 203-220-8333, visit its website or follow it on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
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