A record shop in Stroud, which needed to move premises within 12 months of opening in March 2018 due to footfall being too high for its original premises, has been named on the shortlist of retailers in the running to be named Britain’s Best Small Shop of 2020.

Sound Records, which sells records of all genres from rock, jazz and funk to Latin, African and hip hop, have even recently opened a second 'pop-up' branch in a disused pub in Gloucester.

The shop has put in place a pro-active strategy to attract more female customers using windows displays, special events and highlighting female artists. It is moving from using plastic bags to paper and donates all of its unsold records to The Door, a local charity for young people so that they can sell them for profit.

“During lockdown we moved much of our operation online,” said manager Sean Roe. “Despite losing two thirds of our income we were able to recoup much of this with increased online sales.

"We introduced a local delivery service to customers within five miles which also proved very popular.”

The shop also has a tie in with local Venezuelan restaurant, Galgos Latino, where it plays records from the shop at a night hosted at the bar and it also DJs and sells records at the local Jazz and Hidden Notes festivals in the town.

“Our shop has become a community hub and meeting place for local musicians, DJs and artists and we host a regular poetry night at the shop,” added Sean. “Our second birthday event was unfortunately cancelled due to Covid but the previous year we attracted 500 people to a night where we hosted DJs 'The Orb' and used this as a showcase for local acts as well.

"We are currently considering releasing a compilation LP of local acts as well. The Best Small Shops competition is managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC), whose member trade associations represent approximately 100,000 independent retailers throughout the UK between them."

The competition celebrates the commitment and creativity of independent retailers on the UK’s High Streets and the central role they play in their local communities. It is sponsored by Maybe, an engagement platform that helps make social media work for independent retailers. The winner will be announced next month.

“This has been a particularly challenging year for small, independent retailers and many have come through to this point through innovation, quality of product and service, a commitment to serve their local communities and a large dose of determination,” explains Mark Walmsley, Chair of the IRC.

“As more and more people have been forced to stay home and work from home, we have seen just how much we all value local independent shops and want to see them not just survive, but also thrive. These shops offer choice, diversity and genuine customer service. And, after what has been a rather dark year, that has to be worth celebrating.”

The annual competition highlights the best of Britain's independent retail sector, celebrating the commitment and creativity of independent retailers and the central role they play in their local communities.