Another independent record store is set to close in Brighton.
Brighton music fans are concerned that Borderline records in Gardner Street is following other independent record shops in losing the battle against online downloads and will soon close its doors.
The shop, which has been running since 1987, has been put up for lease at a rent of £22,500 a year.
Owner David Minns said yesterday (December 12) that it was struggling to cope with the decline of the record industry, combined with rising business rates.
But he added that he hoped to keep the Borderline business going from a smaller outlet or as a mail order firm.
He said: “There are no plans to completely demise Borderline. But it is the end of that shop. It is tragic because we have been there 25 years and my first job in 1964 was just up the road.
“A lot of people are having a hard time at the moment, not just in the music industry.
“For small businesses times are changing a lot and the record industry is a business with very small margins.
“The last year in particular has been very hard for us.”
Musical demise
Mr Minns appeared in a film documenting the demise of independent record shops last month.
Last Shop Standing documented the disappearance of more than 2,000 independent record shops in Britain. By 2009 there were just 169 left.
Brighton institution Rounder Records, in Brighton Square, switched off its turntables for the last time earlier this year.
Despite the decline in the number of independent record shops, two of the county’s leading independent record shops said they were still doing well.
George Ginn, 82, owner of the Record Album in Terminus Road, Brighton, has been in business since 1962 and said he hoped to stay open in 2014.
'Very hard'
But he admitted that business has been getting harder.
He said: “I like to think it is not the quantity of customers but the quality.
“I think I have managed to hang on because I stock very specialist things, but it has been very hard.”
Derry Watkins, joint owner of Resident, in Kensington Gardens, which was recently voted the best independent record shop for the second year running, said he was saddened by Bordeline’s closure.
He added: “We are still doing as well as ever and are expecting to do our best year of business this year.
“But we certainly do not delight in other shops closing.
“We want people to keep seeing Brighton as a destination for record shopping.
“We hope to still be here for a long time and keep giving our customers what they want.”
Talking point: How often have you shopped in independent record shops? What fond memories do you have of Borderline? Share your views below or email letters@theargus.co.uk
See the latest news headlines from The Argus:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel