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"I couldn't be happier" says Jamie as business specialising in vintage & retro items turns one

Jamie Fish, of Fish4Junk, with an American cool box dating from the 1950s. Picture: Dorset Biz News.

By Staff Reporter [email protected]

Published: August 14, 2022 | Updated: 15th August 2022

Time has flown by for Jamie Fish.

One year ago, and after successfully buying and selling on the web as a hobby, Jamie and his wife, Sam, launched their new business, Fish4Junk.

The father of two had always loved vintage and retro items.

So, when the opportunity came to turn his passion into a business, he grasped it with both hands.

Twelve months on and he has no regrets.

Jamie, 50, said; “I just can’t believe how quickly it’s gone.

“The past year has had its trials and tribulations.

“People are still defrosting with their buying habits after the lockdowns.

“And obviously with the energy crisis, a war and all those types of things, people are a little cautious.

“But my typical customer will always be into the unusual, mid-century vintage items I sell.

“You just never know who’s going to walk through the door.”

The door in question is Jamie’s shop in Wimborne Road, Moordown, in Bournemouth.

It’s a positive treasure trove of mid-20th century furniture and home accessories from the 1950s to the 1980s.

But the huge variety of items – from a sideboard or a chest of drawers through to pictures, TV props, toys as well as everything in between – doesn’t just walk in the door.

Jamie sources it direct from the web, flea markets and fairs, and house calls.

He said: “In just one week I had seven house calls.

“There’s no fee or charge and if it’s something I wouldn’t wish to purchase or deal in then I’ll advise on where they’d get the best price.

“I don’t clear houses but I have a team who can advise and recommend.

“I also work closely with someone who does house staging, putting newer, modern furniture into the house if it needs updating.”

Since its launch Fish4junk has received 121 five-star reviews on Google.

It’s a matter of particular pride to Jamie who, even on his 50th birthday celebrations in the United States, attended a fair in California.

He said: “My customers come from all over the country including Harrow and other parts of London, Brighton, Wales and Birmingham.

“Without being egotistical, I believe the Google reviews put us in good stead to being the  number one provider of mid-century furniture in Bournemouth.

“That’s my aim.

“I want to be the first call.

“I pride myself on looking after local people, especially, as well as lots of holiday-makers.

“We specialise in unusual things and pretty much everything fits into that criteria.”

One of Jamie’s latest lines is American cool boxes dating back to the 1950s.

He said: “They’re the real deal.

“They’ve got drainage holes in the bottom and various designs.

“But we get so much great stuff coming through.

“Every day my stock changes.”

Opening days for Fish4Junk are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, from 10am to 5pm, with Friday added from next month.

Late opening, in common with nearby traders, is also planned for Christmas.

Jamie named the shop Fish4Junk after his surname and the fact that one man’s junk is another man’s gold.

He said: ”We’re on a very good curve at the moment and I’m looking at expansion if it continues.

“We have a three-year lease on the shop.

“I could do with more space but I like the store I’ve got, the community and the people.

“There is a real undiscovered community around here and we’re knocking on Southbourne’s back door.

“I couldn’t be happier in terms of mental health.

“Life’s too short and you’ve got to do what you really want to do.

“And I’m doing what I enjoy.”

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