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
Business Live: for curious entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs
Vinyl revival and indie retail with Mark Elliott, Record Collector
Show Notes

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:

Enjoy the show? Follow/subscribe/rate or review it on your favourite podcast platform. We broadcast most Friday mornings at 9am on Sheffield Live 93.2FM and online, with podcasts here and on most podcast outlets. Thanks for listening!