The owner of Bristol’s Idle Hands says he is ‘overwhelmed’ by the support he’s received since announcing the closure of the specialist dance music record shop. Chris Farrell launched Idle Hands in 2011 in the old Rooted Records on Gloucester Road before moving to City Road in St Pauls in 2017.
But Chris has decided not to renew the lease on the City Road premises and the shop is due to close later this month. He hopes to find a new site but until then the business will continue online.
DJ Chris started Idle Hands as a record label in 2009 but it gradually became a record shop specialising in dance music. Chris says the aim of the shop was always to represent the thriving dance music scene in the city by supporting local artists, labels and DJs – whilst also having an international perspective of stocking and reaching out to music producers from around the world.
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He has set up a crowdfunder to alleviate some of the costs of closing the physical shop. The support has been so strong that the original target of £10,000 was hit within a few hours, with individual pledges of between £10 and £500.
Chris says: “The support our crowdfunder has received over the last few days has been overwhelming. It hit the original target within a day - it’s amazing.
“I set a modest target which I thought might be achieved over a six week period so to see it keep going up with donations from friends and customers, in Bristol and around the world has been heartening. I’ve felt pretty down about the shop over the last few months, but this has spurred me on and I’ve had a lot of people reach out with suggestions and fundraising ideas.”
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Chris says the shop has struggled since the pandemic, especially since Omicron last Christmas. He says there has been reduced footfall in the area which has made it unworkable for a small business like his.
He says: “These are tricky times, but I do believe Idle Hands still has a future. A future that involves a more centrally located premises, a refresh and a new strategy to make the business more sustainable.
“When I decided not to renew our lease I had hoped to make a smooth transition to a new location - although there have been options I’ve been pursuing, the retail rental market is also in a bit of a state and that hasn’t been possible.
“Sadly we’re going to have to close the physical shop until something comes up, and as a business that has been primarily about selling over the counter this is likely to hit us hard. I launched the crowdfunder (with some IH goodies up for grabs) to alleviate some of the costs of being closed and the overheads involved in moving during a cost of living crisis.
“Times are hard for everyone I know, but if people can spare a few quid to keep Idle Hands alive hopefully we’ll get through this and live to see the shop prosper in a new location.”
In the next few weeks, Chris will be selling off the Idle Hands bargain bin stock at “stupidly low prices” before he closes the doors. The web shop will still be operating as normal.
Chris says: “We love our customers and appreciate every single bit of support we’ve received over the years, whether that’s buying records, supporting our nights or sharing our posts on social media.
“All of that matters, but right now, without the cash needed to make it through that transition, we may be forced to close permanently. Dig deep if you can and help us out by sharing this campaign.”
Idle Hands regulars have already shared their disappointment that the shop is closing. Customer Mark Wood posted on the shop’s Facebook page: “This is gutting news, sorry to hear this, it’s such a shame as it’s a really awesome record shop and your staff are so friendly and helpful.”
Ben Parker said: “Sorry to hear this Chris, you’ve worked so hard to make this happen, really hope this works out for you.” From Cyprus, Hades Militia posted the message: “Hoping that Idle Hands opens one more time in a new space. Had a blast there when I was in Bristol.”
To donate money to the Idle Hands crowdfunder, click here.
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