Retro & Rad opens in New Cumberland offering vintage games and collectibles

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Retro & Rad, selling nostalgia from the 1980s and 1990s, is open in downtown New Cumberland.

Owner Kelly Donnelly said the store at 308 W. Market St., which opened in April, focuses on video games, toys and action figures, VSH tapes, cassette tapes, vintage clothing and electronics. It started as a hobby and grew into a full time business.

“I do sell some newer collectables such as Funko Pops and actions figures and items that are pop culture centered that transcend generations — think a Darth Vader items that may have been made in 2007 but Star Wars was released in 1977,” she said. “I offer trading or selling to customers to obtain inventory.”

New Cumberland is a fantastic little town with a lot to offer, great location and other wonderful small businesses, she said.

She started selling video games and toys online about six years ago to help fund her hobbies and make a little extra cash, but she always dreamed of having her own storefront to share her love for vintage items in a location that was safe for all to enjoy. And that’s all she thought it would be, just a dream.

“Two years ago I was offered a space to sell in a local antique store in York, and the name Retro & Rad was born,” she said. “It took off there surprisingly quickly and the extra cash I was making there and online made me realize that maybe I can make this work.”

When the pandemic started sales continued, providing her with a safety net. Last fall she made a tough decision to leave her full-time job and pursue the dream, online and in the antique store while searching for the right brick-and-mortar location.

“Luckily I found one and have been here ever since,” the Harrisburg native said.

The store is brightly colored with a fun logo and Donnelly has created custom packaging for her inventory.

“I also try to make it a fully immersive and fun experience for those shopping,” she said. “I play a different VHS tape on the TV in the window every day for those walking by to see and on nice days there is chalk outside for customers and locals to decorate the sidewalk.”

She also keeps a bowl of water outside for dogs.

Inside, she plays hit songs from the 80s and 90s, and has a Nintendo system set up for customers to play while visiting.

She also hosts a “free toy weekend” the second Thursday of every month, which coincides with New Cumberland’s Food Truck Rally and runs through that Sunday, where customers and children may pick one toy from a designated bin to take home for free.

She plans to host other events and game tournaments in the future, she said.