The treasure trove of retro toys can be found at 4eveRetro on Stony Lane in Eccleshill.

From Ninja Turtles and He-Man memorabilia to Toxic Crusaders, the shop is run by nostalgia-obsessed Mark Everett. 

Treasure trove of retro toys at 4eveRetro on Stony Lane in Eccleshill, Bradford (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

Inspired by cherished childhood memories, he has created a four walled time capsule in the city.

In just four years, the shop has become a destination for generations young and old to buy toys that capture their inner child.

“It’s one of those dream pieces people will have circled in the Argos catalogue and Santa couldn’t afford it,” he said about the ‘At-At’ Star Wars vehicle.

That is one of many popular toys that can be found on the shelves of 4everRetro. Nearby, the television with a built-in VHS plays throwback shows and films of yesteryear.

Treasure trove of retro toys at 4eveRetro on Stony Lane in Eccleshill, Bradford (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

“I’ve always been into retro stuff,” Mark told the T&A.

“I started to collect my own old toys I had as a kid. I started buying my old He-Man toys. It was just a passion for all things nostalgia.

“The main thing is people bringing it in physically to the shop or contacting us via the website saying they’ve got certain toys in the loft, they don’t know if they’re worth any money.

“Sometimes it can be Thunder Cats, Turtles, He-Man, and sometimes it will be a bit more obscure.”

Treasure trove of retro toys at 4eveRetro on Stony Lane in Eccleshill, Bradford (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

WWF Hasbro figurines are among the shop’s most widely bought items.

“Wrestling is still a big thing,” Mark said.

“You’ve got your Star Wars. People want the figures rather than the vehicles because they’re easier to display. They always want them complete with the little weapons.”

Treasure trove of retro toys at 4eveRetro on Stony Lane in Eccleshill, Bradford (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

Shows like Stranger Things and access to childhood shows on YouTube and Netflix have led to a resurgence among the next generation.

Part of that is down to parents raising their children on the cartoon classics that got them running home after the school day, Mark said.

“We do have quite a few young collectors that do come in the shop which is quite surprising,” Mark said.

Treasure trove of retro toys at 4eveRetro on Stony Lane in Eccleshill, Bradford (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

“I just love people coming in and seeing their faces and just when they spot a toy that they maybe had as a kid. They’re like ‘I remember that toy’ and you get the stories that come with it.

“We do get people coming in just for a nostalgia hit. They might buy a figure for their brother for their 40th birthday.

“Stranger Things is a good nod to the 80s and that nostalgia. I’ve watched it myself and you spot in the background an old toy on the shelf or like ‘I’ve got one of those in the shop!’. That brings that next generation in.”