Bridgwater record shop marks 25 years at the top of the pops

The independent shop, at West Quay in Bridgwater, opened on October 18, 1990 and is celebrating 25 years of trading in the town.

Owner Adrian Fraser is delighted at the long-running success of the business, selling second-hand records, CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes,videos and books.

He said he had seen a number of changes, and returns to old habits, in the music-buying habits of listeners.

“This year the shop front has undergone a major transformation thanks to my new landlord, who has carried out extensive improvement works on the building,” he said.

“It’s nearly four years since the West Quay wall collapsed which caused the shop to close for nearly five months.

“Since then, West Quay has been pedestrianised and turned into what I consider to be one of Bridgwater’s most attractive streets.

“There have been many changes in people’s buying habits over the years.

“In 1990 it was mainly vinyl sales and by the mid 90s, CDs had taken over.

“In the last few years vinyl has regained its place as the top-selling format.”

Now eyeing another 25 years providing for Bridgwater music lovers, Adrian said: “I would like to thank all my customers for their continuing support.”

Leisure industry firm Liberty Games and design company Neomam recently carried out research which showed physical buying of music, as opposed to internet sales or streaming, held 48% of the market, with a resurgence in vinyl playing a large part in the figures.

For more on the store, visit westquayrecords.co.uk.