A Car Crash!? 5 CRAZY TOY STORE STORIES!

A Car Crash!? 5 CRAZY TOY STORE STORIES!
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Top 5 Vintage Toy Stores of the Year: Ranking the Best Places for TMNT Collectors
Welcome to Toy Attics, the ultimate TH-cam channel for vintage toy enthusiasts! In this episode, Matt is ranking his top 5 vintage toy stores of the year based on one key factor: how much they helped him complete his quest to collect all 50 original Leonardo figures from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) toy line. From rare finds to expert curation, these stores have proven to be the best of the best for vintage toy collectors.
Whether you’re a TMNT fan or just love retro toys, this list will give you insight into some of the best places to hunt for those hard-to-find treasures. Here's a breakdown of Matt's top 5 vintage toy stores:
1. Daniel’s Toy Empire
Located in downtown Ventura, California, Daniel’s Toy Empire is a haven for vintage toy collectors. Known for its beautifully curated selection and friendly atmosphere, this store stands out as a must-visit destination for fans of action figures and retro toys.
Matt highlights Daniel’s Toy Empire as the best store of the year because it’s where he finally found "Leonardo the Sewer Samurai," one of the rarest TMNT variants. The store is neatly organized, making it easy to browse, and Daniel, the owner, is always ready to share his deep knowledge of the toy industry.
2. Toy HQ (aka Toy Vomit)
Based in Lexington, Kentucky, Toy HQ (popularly known as Toy Vomit) is a treasure trove for collectors of vintage toys and memorabilia. With a focus on wrestling figures and TMNT, their inventory is full of surprises for nostalgic fans.
Matt gives Toy HQ the second spot because it’s where he scored the "Storage Shell Leonardo" in pristine condition. The staff’s expertise and their community-driven events, like toy trade nights, make this store a standout for any collector.
3. Echo Base Collectibles
Situated in Orlando, Florida, Echo Base Collectibles is a dream destination for Star Wars enthusiasts, but it also offers an impressive selection of other vintage toy lines, including TMNT.
Matt ranks Echo Base as third on his list because it’s where he found the elusive "Beachcomber Leonardo," a pivotal piece in his collection. The store’s museum-like atmosphere, combined with passionate and knowledgeable staff, ensures a memorable experience for any collector walking through its doors.
4. 2nd Chance Toys
Located in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, 2nd Chance Toys is known for giving new life to forgotten treasures. This store excels in offering loose figures and bargain bins, creating an exciting hunt for collectors.
Matt places 2nd Chance Toys in fourth place for its role in helping him find a "Giant Leonardo" figure from Playmates Toys’ oversized line. The thrill of discovery and the warm, welcoming environment made this store a highlight of the year.
5. Toy Federation
Based in Greer, South Carolina, Toy Federation is a must-visit for any vintage toy collector. With a meticulously curated inventory ranging from Star Wars and G.I. Joe to Transformers and TMNT, this store has something for everyone.
Matt awards Toy Federation the fifth spot on his list for its wide selection of TMNT toys and friendly staff. During his visit, he found the "Undercover Leonardo" figure complete with accessories-a rare find that made this store unforgettable.
Why These Stores Made the List
These stores made the cut not just for their incredible selection of vintage toys but also for their contributions to Matt's mission to complete his TMNT Leonardo collection. Each store offered unique finds, expert knowledge, and an inviting community for collectors.
Join the Hunt!
Which vintage toy stores have you visited this year? Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know in the comments! Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications so you don’t miss future episodes where Matt dives deeper into the world of vintage toys, toy hunts, and more.
If you’re as passionate about collecting as we are, check out our other videos, including our journey to find TMNT reissues and our documentary on variant action figures. Thanks for watching, and happy collecting!
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Happy hunting, TMNT fans! 🐢