Inspiring Conversations with Aaron Detrick of ROMA Collectibles: The Toy Store

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Detrick. 

Hi Aaron, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been a collectible toy dealer since I was 12 years old. My father, who sold rare coins, would take me all over the country setting up at collectible shows with him. He’d have his coins, and I’d bring my old toys, comics, and random collectibles. Back then, I’d sell $30-$40 in toys and think it was the best thing ever. LOL. As I got older and was able to drive, I started setting up at toy shows by myself. I took everything my dad taught me and went on my own. When I went to College in FL, I shifted from toy shows to eBay, as I didn’t have enough time to travel like I did in the past. But eBay allowed me to hit a much broader audience and build quite a name for myself. 

Through the years, I established myself as one of the most well-known toy, and specifically GI Joe dealers in the world. 

Eventually, I married an FL girl, and we moved back to Ohio in 2012, A homecoming for me, as I was back with my family. I began to hit the toy con circuit with my wife, setting up and vending at 30 to 40 toy events a year. 

This lasted for ten years. Until we got a phone call about a storefront that opened up on Upper Valley pike. 

All the pieces then fell into place, and voila, I’m running Springfield’s only action figure, toy, and collectibles store. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, it’s been smooth sailing. The biggest struggle is getting people to know we are here. Sure, we had a HUGE following on social media, and every toy collector around knows we are here, but like every store, we would love a bigger customer base. Just getting the word out has been the hardest thing. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
ROMA collectibles: The Toy Store is a family-run “mom and pop” toy store. We specialize in collectible toys, comics, and action figures from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, through today! When you walk in our store, you are immediately returned to your childhood, greeted by all of your old friends. Darth Vader, G.I. Joe, He-Man, and even Strawberry Shortcake. 

One thing I try to do is to always engage my customers. I make it a point to great everyone who walks in the door. I’ll always yell out a quick, “Welcome ROMA Collectibles,” and then try to have a convo with them and make them feel welcome. 

Another fun thing we do. Is our Biannual “Parking Lot Toy Show,” where we invite 20+ toy vendors friends and set them up in our parking lot. Creating a little outside toy show. Our next event is Sept. 11th. It’s a fun for the whole family type of event. 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When it comes to networking, we solely rely on social media accounts. We are set up with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and direct through our website. 

Pricing:

• Items range from $5-$1,000+

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ROMAcollectibles.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romacollectibles/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/RomaCollectiblesTheToyStore/
• Twitter: https://Twitter.Com/ROMAcollectible
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/roma-collectibles-the-toy-store-no-title
• Other: www.RomaCollectiblesShop.com

Image Credits
Aaron Detrick