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Spectral Morn
13-01-2012, 15:52
Hi guys


It is with great sadness that I found out today that Belfast's only real new record shop Head (I don't count HMV) is closing its doors tomorrow.

I called in today on my way to the cinema to see those dreaded words on the window, 'Closing Down Sale.' They have 25% off selected stock and 15% off everything else.

It would seem from a conversation I had with a staff member, that this is a bolt out of the blue for them. They had a very good Christmas and it would seem that the owners of Victoria Square have decided not to let them renew their lease but instead pass it onto an unnamed larger business for 5 years.

Head are looking for new premises but if none are found then Head Belfast is gone and its very helpful staff are out of jobs permanently.

For me personally Head beginning trading gave me a reason to go back into Belfast city centre as with the death of Virgin/Zavi there was little reason as HMV had more or less abandoned selling music. Head's arrival changed that as they had an excellent music department and sold a lot of vinyl too.

I wish them all the best in looking for new premises and look forward to them opening again soon. However on the chance they don't then I want to thank them for the last year and a bit of trading in Belfast and all the great music I bought from them. I wish the staff and management all the best in finding jobs, thank you guys for all your help.


Regards and best wishes Neil

prestonchipfryer
13-01-2012, 19:36
Neil, it's such a shame when any record shop shuts its doors. Let's hope they can find other premises.

John

Spectral Morn
13-01-2012, 21:11
Neil, it's such a shame when any record shop shuts its doors. Let's hope they can find other premises.

John


Yes indeed it is John and I certainly hope so too.


Regards D S D L

Audioman
13-01-2012, 23:24
This is the problem with running a bricks and mortar business today. Even if you have good sales you are at the mercy of greedy landlords and business rates. Only security is to own the property. Many businesses have closed in recent years due to leases ending and cost of renewal being prohibitive. Should be easy to find an empty premises at the moment but I am sure some landlords leave property empty rather than reduce rent.

Spectral Morn
14-01-2012, 00:03
This is the problem with running a bricks and mortar business today. Even if you have good sales you are at the mercy of greedy landlords and business rates. Only security is to own the property. Many businesses have closed in recent years due to leases ending and cost of renewal being prohibitive. Should be easy to find an empty premises at the moment but I am sure some landlords rather leave property empty rather than reduce rent.

Time will tell, either they come back or not. I hope for the former rather than the latter. There are a few empty shops in Belfast city centre but none as big as the pitch they had.

Regards D S D L

lioneld
07-02-2012, 18:57
What a shame - was planning my first ever trip to Belfast this weekend and was hoping to take in some record shops. Is there any shops in Belfast left that sell vinyl?

snapper
07-02-2012, 19:58
What a shame - was planning my first ever trip to Belfast this weekend and was hoping to take in some record shops. Is there any shops in Belfast left that sell vinyl?

Hi Lionel,

Before you go any further, could you please pop into the Welcome area and introduce yourself to our community, as you were asked to do in the registration email you received - ta!

Spectral Morn
07-02-2012, 20:20
What a shame - was planning my first ever trip to Belfast this weekend and was hoping to take in some record shops. Is there any shops in Belfast left that sell vinyl?

Sadly bar Dragon Records near College Square East (above a tattoo parlour) no, not any more. HMV have a handful but that's it. Smithfield Market might have some in the brick a brac shops but I am not too sure about that, not having been in the market in awhile.

Regards D S D L