Cult favourite The Retro Revival Store announces June 22 closure

A funky vintage store, known for its massive record collection, is closing after sales plummeted.

Retro Revival owner Don Well and his mother Irena McLeod ahead of the store’s closure. Picture: Ben Clark

Opening a funky vintage-goods shop at Clearview was life-changing for owner Don Wells, but after 11 years his dream is ending because of a downturn in business.

Mr Wells, 59, opened The Retro Revival Store in April 2014, selling used goods such as quirky jewellery and 1970s kitchen canisters, while at one point boasting an selection of up to 500 vinyl records.

He said running the shop had been a wonderful experience and 20-odd customers had become his personal friends, but he was closing the store on June 22 after the business suffered from rising costs and a loss of customers amid the cost-of-living crisis.

“We’ve just found it’s been a hard year, and there haven’t been improvements, unfortunately,” Mr Wells said.

Owner of Retro Revival, Don Wells and his mum, Irena McLeod before the closing of his store. Picture: Ben Clark

“I think it’s just the costs. Money now isn’t as disposable. So, it is time to just sell all our stock and move on.”

He said he had met people from all walks of life through the shop, many of whom became his friends including legendary Rundle Mall dancer Lionel Willis, who passed away last year.

“He used to frequent the shop quite a lot,” Mr Wells said. “People like that just become friends.

“(They) have just popped in and maybe bought something or just wanted to sit down; we would just chat away. So, it’s been more than just a business. It’s become a bit of a drop-in centre for us.

“But these people will still remain friends of mine.”

Mr Wells’ 80-year-old mother, Irena McLeod, helped out by working in the store one or two days a week, listing items on Facebook Marketplace and looking after what she called the store’s “feminine side”.

Owner of Retro Revival, Don Wells and his mum, Irena McLeod before the closing of his store. Picture: Ben Clark

“Since Christmas, it’s been a bit of a slope all the way down,” Ms McLeod said.

“So, I am sad, because it’s 11 years we’ve been here. It’s a long time.

“As Don said, we’ve made a lot of friends, too; people that will come in every week or every couple of weeks, and they’ll just buy little bits and pieces.

“But I’m afraid it’s just not enough to keep us afloat at the moment.”

Mr Wells is planning to return to the workforce, but he is not yet sure what his future will look like.

“It’s been such a positive thing being here, to be honest,” he said. “Even now, I’m still enjoying this last little bit.”

Originally published as Cult favourite The Retro Revival Store announces June 22 closure