Vinyl revival and indie retail with Mark Elliott, Record Collector Artwork

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Business Live: for curious entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs

Vinyl revival and indie retail with Mark Elliott, Record Collector

April 15, 2022 • Jamie Veitch • Season 10 • Episode 8

It's a Sheffield institution, a fixture in the firmament of music-lovers. Record Collector opened in 1978 and sells vinyl albums and CDs from its double-fronted shop in Broomhill and worldwide from its online store.

Vinyl is "back with a bang" says Mark Elliott. He's worked at the store since 1988 give or take a couple of breaks including a stint in New Zealand. UK vinyl sales have jumped for the 14th consecutive year, according to BPI figures, and nearly a quarter of albums sold are purchased on vinyl.

That must be good news for independent record shops? What does it mean for the second-hand trade? And how did Record Collector make it through the last couple of years, an extraordinary tough time to operate any independent retail business?

Mark also discusses the phenomenon of Record Store Day, the legendary story of a Public Enemy signing at the store, and independent businesses competing with internet behemoths.

Timings:

0 - 2:34 Introduction – this is episode #365 of Business Live.
2:34 Interview with Mark Elliott, Record Collector. Its website is here and Discogs listings here.
30:08 News from former show guest, Blend Kitchen.
32:12 Upcoming events including Sheffield Forum Live #3 in May, The eBay Business Roadshow in April, two new Best of ShAFF events and an extension to ShAFF 2022 Online, Peddler Market, The Festival of Debate, Pollen Inner City Flower Market.

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