Find Everything You Want at the What Not Shop
By Robin Vinci | Editor at June 9, 2024 | 7:15 pm | Print
When traveling on Arch St. many may drive by the What Not Shop and wonder what is in there. Being located at 560 Arch St. for 15 years, Mr. Phil invited everyone to stop in and buy something.
Mr. Phil does a bit of everything from selling antiques, vintage and collectible to making dump runs, repairing light fixtures and making keys.
He used to own Modern Carpet for 40 years and then his son took over.
“I was going to move down there on South Main St., but it had a fire,” said Mr. Phil. “It’s getting harder to keep in business. The market isn’t there. All the good stuff can be bought on the Internet.”
Mr. Phil said when people come and look around they see things that bring back memories. Advertising is key and people in the City don’t often realize he exists.
“I make keys which is a convenience for them. I have a big selection of house keys,” said Mr. Phil. “I sell reconditioned mattresses.”
In the store you will find a lot of old radios and typewriters.
“I buy typewriters. I worked at Underwood 60 years ago and it is a lot of work making them. People throw them away and I don’t want to see that happen,” he said. “I clean houses out. If you have one thing or if you are moving from one house to another, I will do it.”
The What Not Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can open at your convenience and he will go to your home.
Racing cars, matchbox cars, trailer trucks adorn the walls.
“A lot of people come in and say ‘I have never seen so much stuff’,” he said. “Having a lot of stuff is key.”
Mr. Phil said shows like American Pickers make people think everything they have is worth a lot of money.
“It may be worth that, but where are they going to get it,” he said.
Other items you can find include 8-tracks, postcard albums, neon lights, video systems, signs, bicycles, records, knick-knacks, furniture, glassware, Stanley Tools, Coke bottles, clocks, lamps, DVDs, books, pewter, panoramas, cribbage boards and much more.
“Customers stroll in,” he said. “You don’t need a lot of customers, you just need them to buy something.”
There are also Kennedy family items and Mr. Phil even met President John F. Kennedy.
“I was down on West Palm beach on a yacht in the waterways. A hand on deck said here comes Pres. Kennedy on a yacht. I waved at him and the next thing I knew he was pulled up next to the ship and asked me how I was doing,” said Mr. Phil. “It was his first year. You never know who you can meet.”
There are many memories you can find at the shop. For more information call 860-223-2866 or 860-944-3284.
