A healthy addiction...

On the Telegram today, we get to meet Tash and Mark from Retro Addiction -  the newest vintage and retro store to open in Auckland. We called by the day before they opened and were so blown away by the range of stock and the amazing prices that we wouldn't be surprised if all the items that we photographed have already sold out! Read more about the treasures that they have uncovered to fill their new store.

Hi Tash and Mark! What is your background? Were you involved in interiors or something completely different before starting Retro Addiction? ​
Before Retro Addiction I was working for a facilities company travelling around the country educating staff about workplace H&S. In the weekends I’d be fossicking around markets, op-shops and fairs any chance I could. Mark spent many years working at a cabinetmakers, which has allowed him to appreciate the craftsmanship involved in 20th century furniture.

Have you always collected retro and vintage? Did you get dragged around garage sales as a kid or is it a recent passion?
Funnily enough, the house I grew up in had white shag pile carpet, textured ceilings. The kitchen was red & white with black & white checkered floor, furniture was orange & brown velour! My earliest memories would be around the age of 7 at a local "flea market" with my Aunty Dolly, rummaging through a mountain of flower power dresses, I thought I was in heaven! My passion began initially with secondhand clothing & progressed into furniture when I went flatting. 
            
When did you start Retro Addiction?
We started retro addiction in 2013 in our garage after many years of collecting I had filled up our house with retro stuff & then started filling the garage up, it all got a bit much for Mark as we only had a small house & so he suggested we start a business & Retro Addiction was born!

Why do you love vintage and retro?
There are so many reasons. The design & craftsmanship, things were made to last, the attention to detail, the beautiful bright colours used, especially with textiles.

You have just opened a new store, what do you love about having a bricks and mortar shop?
We love seeing the look on peoples faces when they find that piece they fall in love with!

There is a great little hub in Mt Albert where your new shop is - what are the other things going on in your area?
It's a great destination being next to Design Store good thing & Sprout cafe. On Friday night there is a night market where you can find wood fired pizza, ice cream sorbet & organic wine. On Saturday we have a great farmers market.

If someone is new to vintage and retro, what pieces would you suggest they purchase to dip their toes into the water?
This is a hard one! To start with perhaps a nice tea cup & saucer, art glass or a mirror.

Do you source specific pieces for people?
Yes we do!

How often do you get new stock in?
We are getting new stock in weekly.

What is the best piece you have ever found?
Recently I found an Industrial Anaesthetist trolley from the 1920’s - 1940’s in a vet's skip bin, they were renovating, All I could see was one wheel sticking up but I knew it would be something cool so I went & asked them to help me lift it out & was blown away that they were actually throwing it away! We decided to auction it on trademe & donate proceeds to SPCA & the trolley sold for over $400, SPCA were happy & the winner of the auction was too!

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Keen to see what new must-have pieces Retro Addiction has in store? Visit them at 849 New North Rd, Mt Albert in Auckland, call on 021 656 316 or follow them on facebook here. We would recommend Friday night or Saturday morning so you can catch the food market at the same time!

If you're not based in Auckland, fear not! You can still buy online through their website.