Support your Local Record Store during COVID-19
Photo Cred: Karina Caulfield
08 April 2020
The contagious spread of COVID-19 has inevitably taken a hard hit on the music industry. A huge aspect of music activities relies on socialising with friends, family and strangers, whether it’s attending a lively bustling gig, visiting a music store, a record store or a summer festival.
Record stores have always been an exciting and unique experience. The feeling of holding something tangible beats any online download. Flicking through classics to new releases and pristine limited editions; reviewing each unique album artwork and, then finally going home and playing your chosen record, full volume up.
Photo Cred: Karina Caulfield
However, at these hard times record stores have been forced to close their physical doors following strict rules of social distancing. This has come as a detrimental effect to not only record stores, but all arts businesses, from galleries, to theatres, to film.
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Independent record stores rely on locals and tourists popping in to purchase a record or even just checking the place out. Word of mouth can certainly help a business grow contacts, customers and friends, learning about new music, artists, events and opportunities.
Photo Cred: Karina Caulfield
However, there are alternative ways to still support your local record stores. Many now rely solely on their websites or have newly set up their own online store. Many have moved products such as records, LP’s, CD’s, gift vouchers on various websites and some are even providing home deliveries.
Check out your local store online – most have posted updates on how they are dealing with business during Coronavirus.
Check the website, ‘Discogs’ one of the largest online music databases to buy and sell music; check ‘Ebay’; check social media – keep in the loop. Most importantly talk to people – tell them about it.
Photo Cred: Karina Caulfield
Author: Karina Caulfield