UTPB alumnus Nick Bascus recently opened Zunna Vintage Toys & Games, a game store in Midland. Bascus graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Art and a Teacher Certification.
Originally from Midland, Bascus got the idea to open his own store after years of selling items on eBay. He says he had always done well with toys and video games. About a year and a half ago a local flea market shut down, and he decided to take the leap and buy all the toys.
“I had so much inventory that I thought I would take the risk of opening a small vintage toy and game store. Toys and video games were a huge part of my childhood, and I wanted people to feel the same nostalgia I feel when I see Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, or Batman: The Animated Series, all the things I loved as a kid,” said Bascus.
At his new store, Bascus sells vintage action figures, video games, and collectibles.
“Most of those items are from the '80s and '90s and include things like Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, Ninja Turtles, Star Wars, Masters of the Universe, ThunderCats, and others. The video games and consoles I carry include Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Nintendo GameCube, Sega Dreamcast, PlayStation, and a variety of handhelds,” said Bascus.
Bascus completed his degree at UTPB while working a full-time job.
“I definitely enjoyed the art classes, especially those centered around drawing and painting. I was fortunate to have a 'Best in Show' selection in a local exhibition with a wood print that I created in a class at UTPB,” said Bascus.
Zunna Vintage Toys & Games is located at 3303 N. Midkiff Rd, Suite 180. The store is open Monday & Tuesday from 5p.m. to 8p.m., Friday & Saturday from 9a.m. to 7p.m., and Sunday from 2p.m. to 6p.m.