A new quirky record shop has opened in the west of Edinburgh in the area of Corstorphine.
Almond River Records was started by Andy Barbour, 39, from Cramond, around a year ago but has recently turned into a brick and mortar store with its own physical space.
Andy has lived for records since he was a child, confessing that he began to collect them as a child and has even spent as much as £80 on a copy of ‘Ogdens Nut Gone Flake by the Small Faces.’
He started an online record shop on Christmas Eve 2020, but ended up opening a physical shop after a unit became available during lockdown.
The store opened in December 2021 and is situated at 253 St. John’s Road, Corstorphine, EH12 7XD.
Andy says that he hopes to create an environment that will be welcoming for all record lovers - with customers able to leave with a £5 album or a more expensive collector style item.
He adds that the space is already being used by the local community and DJ’s and that the business has been well received by local residents.
On the new venture, Andy said: “Business has been going really well and it has been busy almost everyday which is great. It's a new business in the area so we are hoping the novelty does not wear off any time soon.
“I started the shop online but officially went live on Christmasmas eve of 2020.
“It started out as something of a hobby and then records turned into a lifelong passion. I had worked in record stores in the past and also have a record collection of around 4,000 records, with my pride and joy being a first press ‘Bleach’ release by Nirvana.
“During lockdown I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to open as a proper shop.
“What we did was advertise on social media and we also have a big sign on our window saying records wanted. People will get in touch with us but it is very rare we will approach anyone unless we know they are selling them.
“A record collection can be a really personal thing. Can be related to someone passing away or someone is trying to create space. But the record buying community is funny as most people tend to know each other and word does go out.
“Once you start collecting records you develop an attachment to them. There are different things that you get hold of and they mean something to you. Whether it is the music itself or the art work that comes with it.
“What I really want is for music to go to good homes and that is the most important thing to me. I want to run everything as honestly and fairly as I can. It is music and at some point it has brought someone joy but what I really want is for everyone in the process to be happy, so we do offer fair prices for whatever collections we are given.
“I really want to create a community with this shop. Been such a rough time for business so it is nice to see people buying music again and living. So the main motivation behind the shop is to spread music and to create a community in the local area.
“As cliche as it sounds, music got me through the last couple of years and it will be nice to have a space where people can come and hang out to forget about their problems.”
The record fiend added that if anyone would like to sell their record collection then make sure to get in touch via their Facebook page or by popping into the store to say hello.
You can find their business Facebook page here.
