Retailer Neil Harris is busy preparing for what will be his busiest day of the year, Record Store Day.
The owner of Bug Vinyl says he has been flat out for the past two weeks preparing for the event which takes place this Saturday.
Record Store Day aims to promote independent retailers and sees a host of artists issues special releases on vinyl.
This year Neil has again roped in the help of a neighbouring business, Cafe V. They have agreed to open early and feed the expected ques of people who will be camping out.
Record sales in the UK continue to grow, while on Record Store Day 90,000 units were sold.
Neil says that customers have already been calling into his store on Ladygate. He says that they are keen to know what he will be stocking for the annual event.
Last year customers were lined up outside. Some brought chairs as they waited in line for the shop to open. He also feels that Record Store Day brings music lovers and retailers together.
Record Store Day Certainly Has Plenty Of Things For Music Lovers To Look Forward To
This year there are a number of highlights for vinyl fans to look forward too. Some of the highlights set to hit the shelves on 13 April include exclusives from Aretha Franklin, Robyn, Pink Floyd and Idles.
Neil said;
“Apart from these artists from the 80s some of the highlights for me which are being released on Record Store Day include Dexys Midnight Runners, Courtneers and also Japan.”
“I think this time around one of the most sought after releases will be by REM. With their release under the name Bingo Hand Job.”
This will be the 12th year the event has been held which will see around 550 special releases made available on the day.
For anyone wishing to get their hands on their desired record, it is certainly not a simple process. Presses of these records are very limited which is why fans are prepared to camp out to get them.
Neil’s advice is that anyone who is after something, in particular, should get in line early, as once they are gone, they are gone.
He said;
“I am expecting people to start lining up in the early hours. Already we’re getting reports of people queuing up in some of the major cities. ”
“It is fair to say it is not just the customers who are excited about tomorrow, us retailers are also looking forward to it.”
