BUSINESSES IN FAIR LAWN'S BROADWAY DISTRICT OFFER UNIQUE COLLECTIBLE GIFTS FOR DAD

By Vince Baglivo,
Special to Community News  

Fair Lawn, NJ, June 11, 2009 – Is your Dad a sports fanatic? Are record albums from the 60's still among his most prized possessions? Do hot rods make Father's heart flutter? Have video games been his passion since the days of Pacman and Asteroids? If so, remember dear old Dad with something different from the same-old stuff found at every mall department store. The good news is you can find the “hard-to-find” conveniently close to home in Fair Lawn's Broadway Business District.

“We've developed an interesting niche in the area of memorabilia and collectibles with a number of businesses on Broadway offering distinctive specialty items,” notes Bob Beshlian, President of the Broadway Improvement Corporation (BIC). “In addition to convenient, free parking, a clean and welcoming environment and great places to eat, having a mix of businesses that are really diverse in terms of their products and services is important to keeping Broadway's business community dynamic and intriguing to local shoppers as well as visitors with a particular passion or interest we can serve.”

Irv Lunkin of EZ2 Collect of Fair Lawn has some happening items available for Father’s Day

EZ2 Collect, 35-10 Broadway

Irv Lukin grew up in Fair Lawn, graduated from Fair Lawn High School, and went on to an illustrious career in the music industry, promoting acts as diverse as Barry Manilow and The Grateful Dead. He was hired by the legendary Clive Davis at Arista Records, where he worked for many years. At the same time, he was accumulating a massive inventory of more than 70,000 albums in storage. His passion for music led to his ownership of several small stores in Paramus and Fort Lee, before opening EZ2Collect on Fair Lawn's Broadway five years ago. You can buy or sell new and used albums, CD's, DVD's, tapes, and more at the eclectic shop, including collectible art, all on display under one roof.

Lukin notes that his devotion to vinyl has earned him a unique place among true audiophiles who are buying new turntables they can connect to their computers to listen to the original album recordings that showcase a fuller, richer sound than many of today's digital music recordings can provide. “If your Dad loves Elvis or Frank Sinatra, we've got you covered,” says Lukin. “At the same time, if your Father's taste runs more to the Grateful Dead or Led Zeppelin, or even classic movies and shows, we'd be glad to help you find something truly memorable for Father's Day.”

America's Pastime, 25-05 Broadway #A

Rich Budnick of America’s Pastime has the gift for any sports fan.

Rich Budnick started America's Pastime in 1989 when he found his interest in vintage sports cards was taking time away from working. One of the very few sports collectible businesses that offers a storefront retail location in addition to web-based sales and participation in major card shows, America's Pastime was previously located in Ridgefield and Rochelle Park before moving to Broadway in Fair Lawn 12 years ago. The store is just a few doors down from the popular JJ's Pub.

America's Pastime is also one of the few in its field that sells vintage sports cards from all major sports, including sports cards from the '80's and '90's through the present day. Budnick also carries packs and sets of all sports cards and recently expanded his inventory to include all years of vintage sports cards from the '50's,'60's and '70's in football cards, basketball cards and hockey cards as well as sports autographs, vintage sports memorabilia and non sports cards. 

His current hot sellers? “New issues, including this year's baseball rookie cards,” Budnick points out given the impressive starts of players like Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Grienke. “But vintage cards in all sports, as well as other collectible items like autographed framed photos, always make great Father's Day gifts.”

Gamer's Gambit, 26-13 Broadway

Vintage video game systems from Atari and Nintendo have fans of ages, including many local Dad's who can give their children a run for their money when it comes to their gaming skills, says Scott Roberts, who runs Gamer's Gambit along with David Steltenkamp and James Hernandez. The trio are long time gamers themselves and bonded through their common experience in retail management, customer service, and information technology – experience they happily share with their customers in the friendly store. “We have a lot of different gifts to consider for Dad, from role playing games like Dungeons & Dragons to collectible miniatures, Worlds at War action figures, Asian and European swords and knives, Airsoft and Paintball equipment and supplies as well as comics and used books and DVD's,” Roberts notes.

Screamin Ink's Hot Rod Gallery, 34-07 Broadway

Many body art enthusiasts think of Billy Monroe's Screamin Ink as primarily one of the region's premier tattoo shops. However, the walls of the store, including the Hot Rod Gallery, are jammed with hot rod art and artifacts that underscore his link between car culture and the world of tattoos. Hand-painted items, custom hats, clothing, wallets and more feature distinctive designs from some of the most prominent artists from the hot rod scene. When asked what gift he would like to receive, not surprisingly he thought of a tattoo, since it is a personal and permanent piece of body artwork. “For those Dad's not inclined towards a tattoo or piercing, I'd recommend original artwork, since many of the pieces we sell, ranging from $100 and up, are one of a kind; something special for Father's Day,” Monroe adds.

For lists of businesses and restaurants in the Broadway District, visit the Broadway Improvement Corporation web site at www.broadwaysid.com or call (201) 797- 3442.