Retro Logo

Retro Logo: retro transport collectibles

Retro Logo is a British online shop specialising in memorabilia and gift items inspired by transport of the past. Its catalogue is organised into four areas: aviation, buses, railways and sea. Products are manufactured in the United Kingdom and many designs are recreations of logos and original elements from historic operators.

Aviation: airline tails and accessories

The aviation section includes a wide range of items featuring logos of defunct or historic airlines. Among the products are 140 mm high metal aircraft tails, sold with a stand for display. There are also double-sided metal luggage tags, 1 mm thick, with a metal strap and screw thread closure. The shop offers keyrings, magnets, pins, coasters, mugs, bottles, notebooks, passports, lanyards, luggage straps and other accessories, all with airline designs.

Buses: a collection with over 100 operators

The bus section brings together items inspired by urban and intercity public transport. The shop points out that it already offers more than 100 different operators to choose from in its bus registration plate-shaped keyrings. In addition to these keyrings, the catalogue includes badges, bags, coasters, clocks, clothing, caps, framed prints, magnets, mouse mats, mugs, stickers, tins and water bottles. Some products focus on specific models such as Leyland National or MCW Metrobus, and on operators such as West Midlands.

Rail and sea: other themes

The train section includes aprons, chopping boards, badges, coasters, clocks, keyrings, lanyards, dog tags, stickers, tins and water bottles, among others. In the sea category, the catalogue mentions the Seaspeed Hovercraft.

Featured products and new arrivals

Retro Logo launches new items weekly. Featured items include 283 × 405 mm bus stop dry wipe boards, with or without an operator logo, and a board inspired by British Rail's 'The Griddle' menu. These products are printed on metal and mounted on 3 mm MDF board, with a rear hook for hanging. They are sold with a white dry wipe pen. There are also 90 × 90 mm metal coasters with a cork base, featuring designs such as BOAC, British Caledonian and Jersey European, among others, and with multibuy discounts. Metal aircraft tails and luggage tags are other best-selling products.

Manufacturing and origin

The company states that its products are manufactured in the United Kingdom. The material for the aircraft tails comes from a supplier in Yorkshire, while the logos are designed and pressed in Birmingham. The firm highlights that these are 100% made in Great Britain items. The designs are heat pressed, which according to the company prevents them from flaking or peeling and makes them easy to clean.

Audience and themes

The catalogue is aimed at collectors and transport enthusiasts, with particular attention to the aviation sector. The shop presents itself as an option for gifts related to retro transport.