Though I'm not much into Popeye, but enough to appreciate American pop culture - I knew I had to stop in this place while in Chester. It's mostly a Popeye souvenir shop, with some old collectible items on display (not for sale) as well as an old antique shop attached to it. This is housed in an old opera house where Popeye creator Elzie Segar worked at. His boss inspired the Wimpy character. It's like taking a step back in time while browsing through the old comic book displays, as well as old Popeye toys. The lady who runs the place has even said that she has over 5,000 more items to display but unfortunately the building is not big enough to show them all! (The upstairs are apartments) I bought some magnets and shot glasses (two things I mostly collect when I visit places). I'm sure they have what you're looking for. Just remember - this is the one place in the world that is all things Popeye! read more

Spinach Can Collectables was such a fun find in Chester, Illinois. We were passing through on our way to Memphis. The owner was super friendly and loved seeing us in tow with our fur baby. Dogs are welcome in the store. There's a wide selection of Popeye memorabilia that they've collected over the years along with new stuff like t-shirts for the whole family. We ended up getting t-shirts along with one for the baby on the way. We also got some snazzy lapel pins for the nephews who wills to them. Aside from Popeye gifts, you can also find other characters like Betty Boop. Definitely stop by if you are already in town visiting Chester, Illinois and the Popeye statues in town! read more

Spinach Can Collectibles - Flowers & Gifts Near Me - Chester, Illinois

For those that grew up loving Popeye and all of the gang, this is a great Free museum/gift shop that offers a glimpse of the world wide reach this sailor had during the peak of his popularity. From figurines to toy airplanes and actual cans of Spinach they have it all. Feel free to to photos and ask questions. The employees here are super friendly. Also be sure to grab a map of the friends trail and if you have the time, track down the 13 statues of Popeye and the gang around town! A little hint: if a portly gentleman a few steps away from the shop offers to pay you Tuesday for a hamburger send him down to Rough House. Now go Eat your Spinach! read more

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Wow! This couple has spent 40+ years growing their Popeye collection and spreading the Popeye love! They were able to purchase the old opera house where it all began. Just ask a question and prepare to be amazed at their knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for everything Popeye. T-shirts, magnets, and sweatshirts are among the newer items for sale and then there is a huge selection of unique collectibles, many antiques. Dolls, comic books, toys, and statues. This couple has brought Popeye home and rallied to have his hometown of Chester embrace the cartoon character. There are now 17 statues throughout town--a free map is available in this gift shop. They also promote the Popeye Festival the weekend after Labor Day. The couple also leads and headquarters the Popeye Fan Club. This store is free and well worth the time to stop and check them out. Just don't expect either proprietor to be sporting a face mask. I guess they are counting on the Popeye canned spinach they sell to muscle their way through this pandemic. read more

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" Brought Back Many Memories " We visited the Spinach Can Collectibles, Popeye Museum in Chester, Illinois. This place was AWESOME ! It brought back so many memories of the Popeye the Sailor Man Times. The store and museum in Popeye's Home Town carries a vast stock of Popeye goodies. This store & Museum is very small but you can spend a lot of time searching through everything. We met the owner of the Store & Museum and she was very nice. And the Museum is FREE ! read more

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I don't know Popeye very well, but this place is packed full of nostalgia. Some very cool merch, including the "Strong" T-shirt I bought that's styled after Obama. Great service. On a really hot day, they gave us free water. And they called me back after they got the aforementioned shirt back in stock. read more

This place is a very cool place to visit if you ever find yourself in the little town of Popeye. It's a great little shop to buy a cool souvenir for your friends read more