Where Farrah, Michael and Others Live On

Don’t expect a sneak peek through Record World’s windows or plan to shoot any photos in the store.

And don’t bother to look for the shop’s website -- there’s not one.

That’s because Ken Mest, the store’s owner, runs his business in an unusual way: From the 1980’s.

Over 30 years ago, Mest trusted his gut instinct and bought a variety of promotional items that depict musicians and celebrities of the time.

Today, without using the internet, he sells the items from his shop at Hanover and King streets in Pottstown. 

“I don’t sell second-hand except for LP’s,” said Mest, a 1972 Pottstown High School graduate. “I bought all this stuff new . . . a little bit at a time.” 

Why focus on ’80’s stars? 

“Because they were just icons,” he said. “A lot of the artists today don’t have staying power like before. They’ve got to make their money while they can.” 

Mest also prints T-shirts for local sports teams. 

But he’s thrilled when a customer shows interest in one of his old, new pins, posters and other pieces. The items can go quickly when a star dies, he said.

“Shocking deaths seem to be better sellers than slow deaths,” Mest said and added that folks rushed to buy Michael Jackson promotional items after news broke of the pop icon’s sudden death. Farrah Fawcett fans, however,  knew the actress was ill and moved slower to buy her famous swimsuit poster after her death was announced. 

To a degree, Mest said he'll never let go of the 1980's.

“When I get down to my last Farrah stuff, I won’t sell it,” he said. 

• Record World is located at 51 North Hanover Street in Pottstown. Hours are 12 to 6 p.m. Mon. - Sat. To learn more, call 610-323-0993.