Old Values

This shop reminds me of my friend, Jess. Retro and wonderful and positively cool.
I can imagine Jess coming in here to buy stuff for her very art deco house. Her eyes would widen and she would be completely entranced by the goodies as she’d scream: «We have to buy that!», in a completely unabashed fashion –her zeal for the piece possibly raising a few eyebrows around the shop.
The piece to which she would be referring could be any number of things; an old style ‘nana’ inspired suitcase, a clock that looks like it’s from London, circa 1920, a faux fur coat — just in case snow ever befalls our little city, a beautiful book or a delicate doily to drape in one of her old style rooms.
I know Jess would be impressed with the prices here too. She knows the true value of a retro item and doesn’t mind paying decent money for a fabulous one of a kind find.
I think my creative friend would also appreciate this place is off the main drag and it’s been pretty quiet the few times I’ve been in — a few other kindred spirits occasionally meander by but there’s never been a hustle and bustle type atmosphere.
Save that for when you go back to the cappuccino strip to have a celebratory coffee for your wonderful find.

This place is a little out of the way and to be honest I think that is what makes it all the better. It feels like a secret shop just for me!
It has just about vintage everything! I had a good olé rummage around and found some really amazing things. An awesome vintage suitcase and a beautiful vintage book. They have a lot of books but there was something special about this one, it was a hard back with a navy blue cover and gold writing, it looked like something from the 1920’s!
The only let down was the prices, a little high. But like I say about a lot of vintage places, you kind of expect it!

Tucked far away enough from the antiques ghetto of North Fremantle to have its’ own character but close enough to be an easy inclusion on a Fremantle antiquing itinerary, Old Values is a unique little shop. For the most part carrying objects from the twentieth century, it’s a fascinating place to while away an hour. I’ve found all kinds of amazing things in here; 50’s-style egg-​shaped listening chairs, traffic light-​style interior lights, amazing ashtrays, wierd 1920’s tea trays, costume items, hats, ancient magazines and some truly marvellous dining tables. If you’re the kind of person who likes having the interior of their house referred to as «groovy,» this is the joint for you.
Of course, I am missing the most important thing about this place; their amazing second hand record section. With almost everything priced between $ 4 – 20, you can find some bargains in here. In researching this review I picked up Gary Glitter and Prince LP’s, but I’ve bought everything from Dylan to Cornershop in there. The only unusually expensive item they have at the moment is a limited edition silver vynil copy of Saturday Night Fever that you had better not touch, as I plan to obtain it next week.
You can easily stop by here on the way to Fremantle, as it’s one street over from High Street. I suggest combining your stop with a coffee at the excellent Cool Room café next door.

Old Values has got to be one of the best accident finds I’ve had. Tucked away in one of East Fremantle’s residential streets, it’s a one-​stop junk-​yard shop that stocks a whole heap of second-​hand wares. The store is positively overflowing with secondhand bookshelves, tables, Phantom comics in pristine condition, retro clothing, vintage do-​dads, record players, records, books, paintings, suitcases and cameras. My favourite item by far has to be the sound system shaped like a gigantic coke bottle. Too good!
I did find the prices a little bit too steep for the quality of the items,. You could probably find similar wares at an op-​shop, but you certainly won’t find them in this quantity.
Set aside a good half hour to ponder through the store. You’re going to need it!