The Retro Screamers 
story so far

Where it began

 

Hi, I'm Josh, I run Retro Screamers.

 

We're Ohio’s only dedicated vintage soccer store.

 

We officially began selling in early-2024, but I've been avid soccer collector since the 1990s. Need proof? This is me in 1996.

 

In fact, one of the first jobs I ever had was a week's long work experience in Soccer Scene, a now defunct football shop in Carnaby Street, London. 

 

I got paid £100 for a week's work. 

 

I refused the cash and asked for a Valencia and a Palermo shirt in return - a small but mighty collection had just begun.

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A Yellow Soccer Team

 

Fast forward a couple of decades, we move to Columbus, OH. 

 

Who knew that Columbus Crew, the team with that weird logo with three dudes on, secretly had some of the most knowledgeable football fans around.

 

After going to just a handful of games, it was obvious that this city was ready for something like Retro Screamers. 

Wheeler Dealer

 

Several years later, after returning home to England, I uncovered a box of my old jerseys: a Real Madrid goalkeeper shirt, a Watford third kit, an England tracksuit top, PSG sweatshirt.

 

What to do with these pieces of football history? 

 

I brought a few of them back overseas to Columbus, walked into a store on the Short North, and struck up a consignment deal.

 

We were officially in startup mode.

Market Days

 

Two weeks passed, and more stock was needed.

 

Another two weeks passed, and they asked for more.

 

Eventually, we had enough stock to go solo. Here's our first pop-up market hosted by Atomic Markets, mid-2024.

 

Since then, who knows how many markets we've done.

Our Studio Home

 

We kept buying more stock, doing more pop-ups, and eventually, not even 9 months later, we had more stock than space, and found our new home at Chromedge Studios in Franklinton. 

 

Here's a lil' compilation summarizing the move in.

 

Since then, our collection has grown to over 300+ active listings. We’ve sold close to 1000 unique items since inception.

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The Crew Pop-up

 

During the launch of Columbus Crew's Heritage kit in 2025, we were invited to pop-up at Chase Plaza, outside of Lower.com Stadium.

 

An incredible evening, meeting hundreds of dedicate Crew fans. It was a everything we hoped it would be, despite the full-time score.

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Up the 'Strays

 

We then partnered with local UPSL team, Columbus Astray, to fulfill a lifelong dream of designing and sponsoring a football shirt.

 

Performances increased by 50%*

 

*might have made that up

Our Crew & the Crew

 

Columbus Crew players Dylan Chambost and Daniel Gazdag came through to Retro Screamers HQ for a private shopping experience. 

 

They both left with some grails, brought with their families, and signed some goodies. Some good lads.

 

Next up: Lionel?

Future

 

What's next? Perhaps more pop-ups, new storefronts, new cities? Who knows.

 

What we do know; we're so proud and grateful of the growth so far, and we appreciate you being a part of it.

 

If you want to shop with us in person, book a time HERE.

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