A TRADER has thanked the Stroud community for their support over the last two decades after announcing that their store is to shut soon. 

The Trading Post Records – currently based in Kendrick Street - has been part of the town’s fabric for almost fifty years.

For 23 of those, the independent record shop which sells records, CDs and DVDS, has been owned by Simon Vincent, who bought the Post in 2001 from Jo Walters, the original owner who established the shop back in 1977.

Having decided to call it a day next month, Simon has been thanking the Stroud community for their support over the years.

He said: “What an honour and a privilege it has been.

“The memories that being part of this shop's history have given me have been incredible.

“I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all your support.

“The Trading Post has been part of Stroud for 47 years and I know that so many of us have grown up with it and, like me, have many fond memories of it.”

The shop will be closing its doors on Saturday, March 9 with a party being planned all day to mark the occasion.

Simon said: “I'd love to see you all from behind the counter for one last time and have a drink or three.”

While the store will close, Simon will still be trading records online through eBay as well as taking orders from Facebook and having a presence at the Subscription Rooms.

Simon added: “It’s not goodbye, it’s just a new beginning.”