Neat Stuff Ent

It's been many years since I visited my old friend Giovanna at Neat Stuff, Ent. We met in the 60's when we were selling encyclopedias door to door. We remained friends until I moved to California in 1975, When I returned in 1977, she had opened the Neat Stuff, Ent. store. She had always been a collector and I became one too as we schlepped from one knickknack sale to another in Center City, Philly, I remember how we loved musicals and often saw them multiple times by sneaking in to the downtown theatres at intermission. We had lots of fun together but we lost touch when I moved to California. I was thrilled to see her knickknack collection turn into a full time profession. As I glanced over her unique collections, I thought the store was so much like her personality. Interesting stuff (always with a story), Beatles collections and so much other memorabilia's from the 50's, 60's and 70's. A real prize collection for all collectors. There was something for everyone It was as though I was reliving my childhood.

Yo, this place is never open. It has the weirdest middle of the day hours and I don’t even know how it stays open. For a while I was thought it was a front but who knows.
Has a good mix of pop culture collectable stuff. Buttons, dolls, toys, novelties. You can’t touch anything though, there are several signs. I didn’t notice them at first and the owner very passive aggressively brought them to my attention. I can understand not wanting children to mess with them or people break your items but seriously? I’m going to touch something before I buy it.
You can find better prices for this kind of merchandise other places in Philly or online.

I had walked by Neat Stuff many times but never actually when the door was open. This time, I walked in just to look around, but it didn’t take long for the very friendly and vintage pop culture savvy owner Giovanna to strike up a conversation with me. We talked about everything from Disney to The Beatles to special effects makeup to who knows what else! She carries so many rare collectibles it’s insane – I even came across a limited edition LeAnn Rimes doll that I would have LOVED when I was 8 years old, but those days are over, and I’m glad they are. Anyhow, the selections include The Beatles (and other vintage musical groups, such as the Monkees and the Osmonds), Pee Wee Herman, Happy Days characters, Star Wars (and other old TV shows), and even old campaign buttons from elections past (we’re talking ‘70s and ‘80s here). The best part? She didn’t even pressure me into buying anything! It was such a pleasure chatting with her that I will most certainly stop in again!

This store is so00ooo fun to explore – toys and knick-​knacks from all era’s crammed from floor to ceiling. I’ve purchased some of the most appreciated birthday gifts here, and the lady who runs the place is a hoot.