An empty Phantastic Phinds after owners cleared out suddenly last month. (Photo by Maddie Clark)

by Maddie Clark

Phantastic Phinds was once an area staple for all things vintage and historic. When it moved from its Erdenheim location to Chestnut Hill in 2016, it was seen as a feather in the cap of the Germantown Avenue retail corridor

That all changed at the end of last month when the business and its owner disappeared under what would seem to be mysterious circumstances.

Steven Kurtz, a trustee for the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), which owns 8219 Germantown Ave., from which Phantastic Phinds leased its space, said “we knew they were struggling.”

John Gilligan, a commander of the VFW, said “ had been falling behind on its rent since the start of 2018,” leaving them about $7,000 short in lost revenue.

Before Phantastic Phinds abruptly exited the building on Sunday, March 31, Kurtz and Gilligan said they sat down with the business’s owner, Dave Bilardi, on March 15 to discuss some concerns.

During the meeting, Bilardi expressed that he would not be able to stay in business in Chestnut Hill for the remainder of Phantastic Phinds’ lease.

Though Gilligan said it was agreed that Phantastic Phinds would stay in business until April 2, Bilardi apparently had different plans since he exited just two days before. The property was left empty except for some consignment pieces that still had yet to be sold.

Along with the keys to the shop, Bilardi left a list of about 50 to 60 names of people who had unsold pieces left at Phantastic Phinds. Since their departure, Gilligan and Kurtz have now called everyone on the list and made further arrangements for the remaining pieces.

Multiple emails and phone calls to Phantastic Phinds and Bilardi went unanswered and declined.

Excluding those who told Gilligan and Kurtz to try and sell their consignment items, if still possible, the two men will be at the Phantastic Phinds location on Thursday, April 19, from about 6 to 7 p.m. for any remaining customers to come and pick up their items.

The pair will also be at the property from about 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, April 21.

Then on Sunday, May 6, Gilligan and Kurtz will attempt to sell the last of the unclaimed items at the Chestnut Hill Home & Garden Festival.

Any further unsold items will either be discarded, depending on their condition, or donated to charity, according to Gilligan.

Even though Gilligan and Kurtz are not responsible for the closing of Phantastic Phinds, Gilligan said that he’s still “sorry the situation turned out the way it did.”

With Phantastic Phinds having come and gone, Gilligan and Kurtz are now on the lookout for potential new tenants for VFW’s post 5205 building.

Though Kathie Meadows, director of business development for the Chestnut Hill Business Association, has a possible lead for a new tenant, interested renters are encouraged to contact her at 215-247-6696 or kmeadows@chestnuthillpa.com for further inquiries.

The Chestnut Hill Local previously made attempts to contact Phantastic Phinds regarding its departure but the owner has not yet confirmed any information. Its website has since been taken offline, and its phone number has been disconnected.