Judging by the enthusiastic response to our poll and the upbeat nature of the interviews with our winners, record shops have had a strong 2019. Despite challenging conditions, shops all over the UK are booming. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of running a record shop, get on the phone to your bank manager. Let’s face it, online outlets may stock more LPs, but they’re never going to make you a cup of tea while you’re browsing. Two of the stores here, Barrow’s TNT Records and Bury’s Wax And Beans, have been trading for a year or less, and both have managed to establish themselves quickly with the help of fanatical support from the local community. Indeed, with no big-city record shops placed in our final four, it’s the focus on community that is the most striking shared characteristic. Bridport’s Clocktower Music, for instance, describe themselves as a ‘grown-up youth club’, while Loafers in Halifax use the phrase “a fantastic community haven”. Our advice to record shop owners? Get the kettle on!
The Runners-up