If you’re looking for a hard-to-find VHS tape of your favorite horror movie or a classic 1980’s toy, Angel Zapata probably has you covered.
Zapata owns Dead Media Collectibles, a packed 500-square-foot business located at 2128 Central Ave. in the heart of Summerville. He sells a variety of items, such as DVDs, toys, comic books, and other collector’s items he buys exclusively from local customers, flea markets, and estate sales.
Prior to opening his shop at the end of 2017, Zapata sold items at the Barnyard Flea Market in Augusta for four years. Before that, he worked at the John Deere plant in Grovetown for 17 years.
Growing up, Zapata developed a love for collectibles, including comic books and movies.
“At one time, I intended to open a video store,” he said.
Because those stores are now extinct, Zapata is thankful he decided not to pursue that goal.
“Our core collectors are in their early 30’s,” Zapata said.
Most of his customers are men ranging in age from their 20’s to 60’s. Some curious college students have also dropped by to check out his merchandise, and he’s also had collectors from various parts of the Southeast, including Atlanta and Charlotte, shop in the store.
Some customers buy items, such as VHS tapes, to add to their collections, while others just want to watch the movies. Dead Media Collectibles primarily carries horror movies and science fiction TV shows, such as “The X-Files.”
“We don’t offer random seasons,” he said. “We wait until we have the complete series.”
While Zapata sells both older and modern toys, very few children visit the store. Most who buy these items are collectors who often keep the toys in the package to maintain their value.
He said that doesn’t apply as much to modern toys as it does to older toys.
Dead Media Collectibles buys and trades items from its customers. Zapata said some collect items they can liquidate quickly in case of emergencies.
He prices his items based on what people have paid for them on eBay and other auction sites, as well as other businesses that sell collectibles.
Zapata tries to reduce those prices whenever possible, which his customers appreciate.
“They love shopping here because they save money, and there are no shipping costs,” he said.
For more information, visit the Dead Media Collectibles Facebook page.
