Record Store Day, the inspiration for Local Bike Shop Day
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
Saturday 13th April 2019 saw another successful Record Store Day (RSD) with thousands of record shops across the globe coming together to celebrate their unique culture and community. It has become one of the biggest annual occasions on the music calendar with exclusive vinyl records created, artist performances and events throughout the world to mark the day.
A bit closer to home, over 250 independent record shops in the UK signed up to take part in this year's RSD celebrations (the largest number in RSD's 12-year history), 558 special edition records were created, the Mighty Boosh were announced as 2019's official ambassadors and the ‘Unsigned competition' was run again. Some of the events run by these shops included free in-store performances, mini festivals and ‘DJ-offs'.
Ashlie Green, manager of David's Music in Letchworth said "RSD remains such a special day for all of us independent retailers, big and small. It's not only an opportunity for new music lovers to come through our door but it's also a great opportunity to celebrate our favourite music with our loyal customers. There may be testing times ahead for independent retailers which is why events like RSD, which champions bricks and mortar shops all over the country, is more important than ever"
RSD has become the success that it is today because it is both, exclusive to indie record stores and, an entirely inclusive event, inviting everyone to take part. Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) spearheaded RSD and with the help of indie record stores and the local communities, RSD has become the day that it is today.
Iain Aitchison, owner of Longwell records, has been a part of the RSD for as long as he can remember. For him it's a no brainer each year, "why miss out on the party!"
Aitchison's favourite thing about RSD is the "joy the customers feel throughout the day, there is a real feeling of togetherness". Longwell Records celebrates being a small independent record store in a small town with a massive following of loyal people who want to support a local shop.
Aitchison goes on to say "Taking part in the community and culture that is RSD each year is a fantastic memory in itself, but one year one of those memories stands out. One of my most loyal customers stood outside Longwell Records at 5AM, well before the shop opened, waiting to be the first one through the doors."
Lessons to be learnt for Local Bike Shop Day
Like RSD, Local Bike Shop Day (LBSD) is an annual event for independent bike shops across the UK to come together and celebrate the passion and knowledge that sets them apart from the larger national chains.
The inaugural LBSD in 2018 was a huge success bringing together over 50 bike shops across the UK in celebration. This year is already promising to be bigger and better with over 140 bike shops taking part!
If you're not already involved, register now!
The countdown has begun with 10 days until LBSD 2019!
