OLD YELLER isn’t listed on Google maps, which is surprising even for a tucked away little shop selling collectibles from the pre-internet era.

I managed to get hopelessly lost on the short drive down South Terrace, and that speaks partly to the shop’s obscurity but mostly to my poor navigation.

Another customer walked in confessing he also struggled to find the place, which had owners Nina and Paul Ferrari joking; “We like it that way! We want to keep it a secret!”

• Nina and Paul Ferrari get cosy, which is the way they like it at Old Yeller. Photos by Trilokesh Chanmugam

The shop gets its name from an old yellow bike Mr Ferrari’s been riding for years, which itself was named after the famous labrador of the Disney film.

When Mr Ferrari pulled up outside their new store one day, his wife pointed to the bike and said “that’s it – that’s the name of our shop.”

The couple dismiss labels for Old Yeller’s wares such as vintage, retro, or antique, and have to think hard about the correct nomenclature.

A chuckling Ms Ferrari suggests “stuff and nonsense,” but her husband favours “desirables” because he reckons people often come in saying “I don’t really need this, but geez I want it!”

A collector for 40 years, Mr Ferrari says he empathises with hoarders who’ve been squeezed out of some of their own rooms by bric-a-brac, but he can offer some relief.

The pair do home visits, taking away a few treasures to free up some space. They say they’ve even steered the most helpless Old Yeller customers away from purchases they really don’t need.

Mr Ferrari started collecting vintage guitars and found that led him to places with lots of other interesting collectibles, so he expanded his trade.

The Ferraris fill Old Yeller with stuff they love, and have to make a concerted effort to buy things with their business hats on.

“I don’t want a shop that’s full of cobwebs and things that have been here for 40 years,” says Mr Ferrari.

Old Yeller is a bit of a junk shop, but the well curated selection of “stuff and nonsense” has broad appeal and the Ferraris do a booming trade for the three days a week they’re open for business.

Mr Ferrari often comes in to find fingerprints all over the windows from passersby eagerly peeping inside.

The shop has the feel of a tiny museum, but one where you can buy anything, so there’s a lot to see if you press your face up against the glass.

There are several dioramas, an impressive collection of vintage instruments, assorted trinkets and ornaments, and some unique furniture.

There’s also a selection of records, some globes, and a strange quantity of ram skulls.

Old Yeller is only open Fridays and Weekends, but the owners will open the store during the week for customers who are after something specific.

by TRILOKESH CHANMUGAM

Old Yeller 18/275 South Terrace, South Fremantle.
Open Friday, Saturday,  Sunday from 11 am.