LET’S TALK BUSINESS - Collectorama

Collectorama is an antique, vintage and retro fair, which also helps reduce our ecological footprint through recycling and reusing in the best way possible! Celia Bonica recently took over the business from Tom and Laurie Wall, so we thought we’d touch base for this month’s Q&A.

Where were you born and raised, and what brought you to the Sunny Coast/Hinterland?

I came to Brisbane from Melbourne via Sydney, and have been here 20 years. I’ve been an antique dealer for that long, and started my own fair four years on the north side of Brisbane (Northside Collectors Market), then a craft fair (Craft-o-Rama Destash), and now Collectorama as well. 

When did you begin Collectorama and what inspired you to start?

I've been a dealer at Collectorama on and off since 2008, but it was Tom and Laurie Wall who started it in 1990. They held Collectorama at the Gold Coast, the Brisbane RNA Showgrounds and Conention Centre, and always said they loved the Nambour Showgrounds, especially as they didn’t need to travel! Tom and Laurie have fully passed the business on to me, and they will attend as stallholders in the future.

What do you think sets Collectorama apart from other vintage fairs?

Collectorama is the best because it has everything for everyone- it's a great day out whether with family or friends. It's a destination, a meeting place, where everyone will find something they love plus enjoy the thrill of the hunt. 

People of all ages and tastes are catered for, from the youngest child to the fussiest collector. The fair attracts dealers from all over South East Queensland and beyond.

Customers know that some dealers keep aside their best and rarest only for this fair, while others bring the bargains- this mixture gives Collectorama the joy of the unexpected find, every time.

What is the most useful advice you could give someone visiting Collectorama, either with items or as a potential buyer?

Allow plenty of time to look around – there are over 150 stalls! Ask any dealer to help you find a particular item for your collection, and you can ask about provenance when you purchase an item. Many dealers are very experienced and knowledgeable, and are always happy to help. 

First-time visitors to Collectorama are advised to arrive early, and a bring a ‘nana trolley’ or large tote bag, because you can rely on Collectorama to hand you that thing you never knew you needed!

Remember that this is a cash-focused event. Many sellers won't have card facilities, entry is cash only, and paying cash might get you a better price if you ask politely.

We are a fully accessible all-weather venue with most stalls undercover, ATMs and free onsite parking. Coffee, treats and lunch are available, and we have a variety of food trucks.

Check the Collectorama Fair Facebook page or Instagram for updates.