Hi Everyone,

Me and a friend are looking around the UK for cities in which to set up a small record / music shop.

We'd be selling used records, new records, new CDs and similar items. We'd sell a range of labels, cross genre, -if you ever saw the vinyl racks at FOPP, you'll have the idea. Indie, Electronica, Funk/Reggae.

I think Sheffield has a good selection of record shops, but also I'd like to know - what isnt catered for in Sheffield?

- What is your favourite place to buy music in Sheffield? (include HMV if that is where you go!). Why?
- Do you ever feel uncomfortable going into certain record shops?
- Are you put off approaching the staff?
- Do you tend to visit various genre-specific shops, or do you stick to one store that tends to have most of what you're looking for?
- Do you ever buy second-hand records?
- Do you ever sell your old records?
- Do you think Sheffield could handle another record shop?

- What reasons do you think a record shop might succeed / fail in Sheffield?


If you have the time to answer any of the questions above, it'd help us out loads. Its going to take us quite a while to save a realistic amount of money, so we're taking the time to research seriously.

Thanks!

Iffypop, the record shop that was a 'nice little earner' but closed due to the owner's ill health was Kenny's Records in Wicker.

I have thought about starting up a similar shop specialising in 50's/60's music but was let down by a prospective partner. The premises are still available under negotiation.

I would suggest, that's the market that is not catered for. I am an avid collector and either I have to purchase via e-bay, mail order or my neasrest specialist shop is York

Bruce,

So you would suggest that tapping into a locally uncatered for specialist market is a good-earner?

I would say that there is an untapped local r'n'r culture that buys outside Sheffield at the moment. If you have the knowledge and product, the answer is yes.

I think there is definitely a market for a good record shop selling a wide range of new and second-hand vinyl. Virgin & HMV are ok but very limited, while most of the specialist record shops (Lowlife, The Store, Studiobeatz) are quite genre-specific or only sell second-hand stuff (Jack's, Spin City etc.). Reflex is good but only sells dance music and often seems to miss some really big releases.

Personally I'd like to be able to buy a better selection of UK Garage (dubstep/grime etc.), world music, soul and reggae without going online. A shop like picadilly records in Manchester is just what we need in Sheff.

Good luck dude :D

sheffield is fairly good as it is on the record shop scene

we've got cool wax records (orchard square) to cater for house/breakbeat, a couple on and around west street for more house, and various other things, then theres D&B arena shop in the forum for everything d&B or jungle, then there is (of course) Record Collecter - sheffields primary rock/metal/indie/blablabla (new and second hand) shop

so, not much of a niche here I dont think

ok Carl, where do I buy a Joannie Sommers Cd or a Steve Lawence Cd since Kenny's closed?

Dont say Record Collector, they have no idea what I am talking about. I live in S10 so know Barry quite well.

Incidently, I have a collection of over 6000, yes 6000, Cds and spend at least £200 a month on stuff, as do many, many of my peers.

This money currently is being spent outside the city.