Bella Union moves to new store location in Brighton

Bella Union opened in Brighton’s Ship Street Gardens seven years ago but can now be found in Church Street.

Record Store Day celebrations were held at the new store on April 22 before a short period of closure ahead of the official launch on May 3.

Since then, music fans have flocked to Bella Union to have a rummage through the latest releases.

“There was a lot of trouble and antisocial behaviour in the areas around our old store, and it got to the point where our staff didn’t feel safe,” said store owner Simon Raymonde.

Fans queueing outside the new store (Image: Bella Union)

“We’re in such a good position now and the atmosphere is totally different. It’s so nice and airy in the new place and we’ve got a lot more passing trade being so close to the train station.

“We weren’t sure if it was the right move. You can never tell until you do it. But we can say now that we definitely made the right move.”

A host of artists also played at the store for this year's Great Escape festival.

Sophie Jamieson performing live on Saturday afternoon with songs from her latest LP ‘Choosing’ (Image: Bella Union)

"It was easily the best Great Escape for us in terms of record sale this year," said Simon.

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Fans were seen queueing around the block to get a glimpse of the acts on the Bella Union label, also run by Simon.

The shop also serves coffee and if that was not enough, has an in-store dog named Bodhi.

Bella Union is open Wednesday to Sunday.