New Funko Pop Store in Ashland
A Collector's Dream Come True!
Charles Romans
The Ashland Beacon
A brand-new store has opened its doors at 212 6th Street in Ashland, Kentucky, and it’s dedicated entirely to the pop culture phenomenon that is Funko Pops! This past Saturday, March 1, Funko enthusiasts from near and far were welcomed to a place that promises to ignite their passion for collecting with exclusive figures and endless nostalgia.
Funko Pops, manufactured by Funko Inc., are licensed and limited-edition pop culture collectibles that feature characters from television, movies, video games, and more. While Funko also produces plush toys, action figures, apparel, games, and bobbleheads, it’s the Funko Pop figurines that have truly taken the world by storm. With their oversized heads and adorable designs, these figurines have captured the hearts of novice collectors, seasoned enthusiasts, and casual fans alike.
Ashland native Marc Moore, along with his son, founded Alley Rat nearly two years ago. They started by setting up shop at malls and participating in small collectible shows around Ohio. “I used to travel a lot—between 300 and 400 miles—doing shows in and around Columbus,” Moore shared. It was a "slow burn" in the beginning, but Moore was in no rush, preferring to let the business grow at its own pace rather than dealing with the headaches of financing. Eventually, Moore’s collection expanded enough to open a physical storefront right in his hometown of Ashland.
So, what makes Funko Pops so irresistible? According to Moore, “I don’t know what it is about them exactly. They just grab you because it’s your favorite character from television or a movie.” His assessment couldn’t be more spot-on. Every pop culture phenomenon sparks its own unique culture, and Funko Pops are no exception. Whether it’s t-shirts, lunch boxes, posters, or anything else featuring our favorite characters, we just want it. And when it comes to Funko, it’s all about the vinyl wave.
“The last time I checked, there were 30,000 different Funko Pops,” Moore said. “Everything from The Simpsons, Disney, and Marvel to all sorts of TV shows. And new ones come out every month, so I try to keep up.”
Alley Rat offers a huge variety of Funko Pops, including those that come in soda cans. “It’s funny because the first-time people see those cans, they pick them up and shake them to see if there’s a drink inside,” Moore laughed. “They make a lot of these, and there’s even a 2-liter version with a bigger Funko inside.”
In addition to the figures, Alley Rat also sells protective plastic cases for the Pops, as Moore learned early on that the cardboard boxes, they come in can increase the value of the figures—if they’ve been well-kept. “I’m a little clumsy, so I figured out pretty quickly that I needed the cases,” Moore joked.
Moore’s journey into the world of Funko Pops started with a special purchase. “The very first Funko Pop I bought still sits at my house in a protective plastic box,” Moore explained. “It’s not worth much, but I keep it because it was the one that kicked all this off.” That first Funko was a Buzz Off figure, inspired by the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe toy line Moore loved as a kid.
But what makes Funko Pops truly universal is that they’re loved by collectors of all ages. From children to adults, there’s a Funko Pop for everyone. “I sold a Funko of Jackie Robinson to a 70-year-old man,” Moore said with a smile. “There really is a Funko for everyone.”
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone just starting out, Alley Rat is the ultimate destination for Funko Pop fans. The store’s wide range of figures, along with its friendly atmosphere and expert advice, makes it the perfect spot to fuel your passion for pop culture collectibles. Plus, with new Pops coming out each month, you’ll always find something fresh and exciting to add to your collection!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends, your family, or anyone who shares your love for pop culture, and head on over to Alley Rat in Ashland. It’s time to get your hands on those Funko Pops you’ve been dreaming about! Visit Alley Rat at 212 6th Street, Ashland, Kentucky, and immerse yourself in the world of Funko!
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