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Richard McWilliams first opened Blast from the Past, a vintage shop specializing in toys, video games, and other collectibles, in November 2020.
It only took a few months for McWilliams to realize his business had outgrown its original space, as customers traveled from across the Northeast—and even as far as Chicago—to explore his treasures.
So, he began planning a big move just up the block. Now, four years later, that vision has become a reality.
Blast from the Past has doubled in size and inventory, reopening to the public on Dec. 7 at its new location: 91 E. Main St. The new space features carefully curated sections of merchandise, reminiscent of a small department store.
A personal comeback story
McWilliams, now 38, faced a life-changing ordeal in 2023 while trick-or-treating with his family. As he pushed his 1-year-old in a stroller down his residential block in Bay Shore, a car came speeding toward them with its lights off just after sunset.
His sister shouted a warning, but it was too late.
“There was no time to save myself,” McWilliams recalled. “I pushed the baby out of the way and, luckily, saved him because [the car] hit me hard.”
The stroller was clipped, spinning out and ejecting his baby, who sustained a concussion.
“He’s my miracle baby now,” McWilliams said.
McWilliams, however, suffered severe injuries. His leg was mangled, his face bloodied, and the traumatic scene unfolded before the children.
The road to recovery was grueling, involving a prolonged hospital stay, multiple surgeries, and countless hours of physical therapy.
“I was in a wheelchair for four months,” McWilliams said. “After that, I had to learn how to walk again.”
During his recovery, McWilliams received news that his new store space was nearly ready.
“It was a little scary, as I was just getting back on my feet, but I was excited for the challenge of returning to what I love.”
The thought of his sparkling new store became a beacon of hope during his darkest moments, coupled with an outpouring of support from his customers.
“People sent well-wishes, fruit baskets, and monetary donations,” McWilliams said. “That really helped — not just mentally, but also emotionally — to know I had impacted so many lives. Even my sister was astounded by it. That drove me to want to come back and do it better.”
He added, “I want to give back and be a friend to the community for as long as I can, since they were there to help me.”
The future
McWilliams reflects fondly on the activities his generation enjoyed growing up, from arcades to roller rinks and miniature golf. He hopes to recreate a bit of that magic at Blast from the Past.
Soon, he plans to transform the center of the store into a vintage gaming hub for local families.
Wouldn’t that mean more kids running around the store, surrounded by valuable items?
“That’s one of the best parts, actually,” McWilliams said. “And I think that’s what sets me apart from most people running a place like this. Seeing the joy in children and adult collectors alike is the main reason I do this—that’s the fun part.
“We get to share joy through nostalgia.”
Follow the journey
Top: Richard McWilliams poses with his stormtroopers, one of which went stolen in 2021, a story that went viral in the national news. It was later recovered and returned by Suffolk County police in 2021. (Credit: Michael White)
More photos
— below photos courtesy of Blast from the Past
