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Vinyl revival and indie retail with Mark Elliott, Record Collector

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:

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