New store fulfills local man’s dream
By John Jennings Daily News Staff
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Steve Ratcliff opened Back in the Day in June, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The store features CDs, LPs, posters, T-shirts and many other music-related items. (John Jennings/Daily News) |
When Steve Ratcliff opened “Back in the Day” on First Avenue West on June 5, it fulfilled a nearly lifelong dream.
“This was my plan since I was 18,” Ratcliff said. “I’m trying to bring a big city record shop to downtown Newton.”
Back in the Day features a wide variety of CDs, both new and used, and Ratcliff said his collection is mainly music not featured on mainstream radio.
“I’ve got a lot of punk,” Ratcliff said.
The store also features used vinyl records, posters, band and concert T-shirts, tapestries, rock buttons, body jewelry, collectible concert flyers, and many other items related to the music scene. Ratcliff said he wants to expand the store to other endeavors as well.
“I’m looking for a tattoo artist and a body piercer,”
he said.
In addition, Ratcliff hopes to be a concert promoter in the near future as well. He is planning to host the band Hemlock at Maytag Park Bowl later this year, along with 10 other local bands, in a fund-raiser for the Bowl Project.
Ratcliff also owned Dad’s Toy Box near his current location, which opened in 1998, and moved it to Des Moines in 2001.
Back in the Day, at 214 First Avenue West is open 3 to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and noon to 7 p.m. on Saturdays.
