Exciting times for Retro Wombat.
After 11 years on that corner in Thirroul, the iconic business has been bought by two enthusiastic local lads and it’s going from strength to strength.
Russell Haul returned from a stint overseas and fell instantly in love with the store. He approached then-owner Paul, and has been behind the desk for the past three years.
When Paul decided it was time to leave, Russell teamed up with Austinmer’s Lindsay Mudge and the pair have bought the business.
“When I first saw Retro Wombat I knew it was where I wanted to be,” says Russell. “Paul was keen for the business to stay the same, our landlord feels the same way, and so do we!
“We share Paul’s philosophy that things should not be turfed out, that where possible, they should be given new life.”
Lindsay agrees. He’s a familiar face around town, having worked at Big Star Cafe in Coledale until it’s closure a few months ago.
“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, until this opportunity came up,” he says, “but this is perfect. I have been restoring vintage hand tools and furniture, so this was exactly the right fit after the cafe closed.”
The boys say they’re still settling in, with the first job to sort and organise their stock, making it easier for people to find what they want.
And they have big plans for the future.
“We still do shed and house clearances,” they say, “so there will always be fresh eclectic clutter, but we hope people can see it’s now a bit more organised.
“We have growing plans to better use the sunny space in the backyard, but whatever we do will be in keeping with the Retro Wombat theme of re-using things that have been pre-loved.”
