Chris Topfer (Collector Zone Comics and Collectables).
Camera IconChris Topfer (Collector Zone Comics and Collectables). Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey d482797

Collector Zone Toy and Hobby Fair to offer playful time in Craigie

Lucy JarvisNorth Coast Times

TOY collectors gather in Craigie four times a year for trading fairs as the interest in pop culture increases.

Collector Zone! Comics and Collectables owner Chris Topfer and his wife Sue started the toy and hobby fair five years ago.

“I remember being first in line for the one of the few toy fairs we had in Perth, always excited to see what comics and collectables I could find,” Mr Topfer said.

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“I soon started selling at the fairs, then listened to the customers, and what they were searching for; found what they were looking for – one selling table went to four very quickly.”

Mr Topfer said collectors talked about a need for more fairs and he and his wife decided to make it happen.

“We started it as a hobby, but the fair has grown over the last five years,” he said.

“We opened our shop Collector Zone! Comics and Collectables in Clarkson three-and-a-half years ago – as the shop is getting busier, Sue, my wife is now the fair organiser.

Chris Topfer.
Camera IconChris Topfer. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“The interest level of the fair and collectables in general seems to be increasing with the rise of pop culture movies and TV shows, such as Avengers, Deadpool and stacks of other movies, cartoons and TV shows.”

Mr Topfer said people attending the fairs included “hardcore”, casual and comic collectors as well as families having day out to see the displays, local artists and have their picture taken with cosplayers.

“It’s like a mini comic convention,” he said.

About 1500 people are expected to attend the next Collector Zone Toy and Hobby Fair at the Craigie Leisure Centre on May 27, with others planned on August 19 and November 25.

There will be about 130 tables of toys and collectables, including action figures and pop vinyls, as well as local artists, writers and costumers at the event.

What: Collector Zone Toy and Hobby Fair Where: Craigie Leisure Centre, Whitfords Avenue When: 9.30am to 2pm on Sunday, May 27 Entry: $5 Email: fair@collectorzone.com.au

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