SBDC- Supported Thrills Ville Captures Movie Magic with Vintage Cinema Collectibles

SBDC- Supported Thrills Ville Captures Movie Magic with Vintage Cinema Collectibles

May 1, 2024, 11:38 AM

An entrepreneur and client of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for The Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has a new venture to captivate movie enthusiasts and collectors. Joe Wieneke is set to launch Thrills Ville in Edwardsville. The business melds a passion for cinema with a large collection of movie memorabilia.

Wieneke's journey into the world of cinematic collectibles was inspired by his neighbor and close friend who spent more than two decades as a collector by way of the local movie theater scene. The result: an expansive collection of movie posters, promotional items, and memorabilia, from hats and t-shirts to buttons, pens, stickers, and toys. Recognizing the immense merchandising potential, Wieneke acquired the entire collection, laying the foundation for Thrills Ville.

Wieneke, a full-time marketing professional and graphic designer, began working with the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE and director Jo Ann Di Maggio May after hearing about the SBDC from an SIUE employee. SBDC guided his entrepreneurial journey by helping him understand business details, referrals, and completing his business plan.

Today, Thrills Ville boasts an extensive inventory. The store is designed as an immersive shopping experience. It showcases more than a thousand meticulously curated movie posters, alongside more than 400 hats, shirts, toys and stickers offering a nostalgic journey through cinematic history.

Wieneke has ambitious plans to expand Thrills Ville's offerings. Drawing from his collection of nerd toys, stickers, records, and VHS tapes, he intends to introduce a diverse range of merchandise that will resonate with customers of all ages. From vintage toys to interactive collectibles, Thrills Ville is poised to become a treasure trove of unique finds.

Wieneke is also set to channel his graphic design skills into creating exclusive Edwardsville-themed merchandise, celebrating the local community, and adding a personal touch to the store. A dedicated section will showcase these Edwardsville-centric products.

"Jo Ann has been incredible; she has been extremely helpful with hitting me with the reality," said Wieneke.

"Joe is motivated and eager to learn. He has been a great student along his entrepreneurial journey. The SBDC and I are excited to see where Thrills Ville takes Wieneke and look forward to continued success," said Di Maggio May.

Wieneke promises a cinematic wonderland when Thrills Ville opens in mid-May. More information may be found on the store's Facebook page (thrillsville618), or at (618) 217-8151 and [email protected].

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists entrepreneurs like Thrills Ville as well as existing business owners operating in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. SBDC enhances the region's economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses.

SBDCoffices in Illinois are funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement among the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as a service to the community. To learn how these no-cost services may help your business venture, contact the Metro East SBDC at (618) 650-2929 or [email protected].

PHOTO: Joe Wieneke, founder of Thrills Ville in Edwardsville