What first led you into entertainment retailing?
I have always wanted to work in record shop, but never thought I would. After I graduated university with a degree in photography, I moved home while I was looking for a photography job. I heard that David’s were hiring via the owners’ wife, Liz, who used to cut my mum’s hair and my old room mate in London, Dan, who used to work in the shop – it all felt strangely like serendipity when I got the job.
How long have you been at David’s Music and what's your role?
I’ve worked at David’s Music for 7 years, and I help run the shop.
What do you love about your job?
Mostly I love listening to records all day!
Describe the David’s Music business
David’s Music is an old school record shop – we sell lots of records, CDs & DVDs, new & second hand.
We are connected to David’s Bookshop and the recently opened David’s Café. David’s has been around a long time (54 years) and is a bit of an institution locally.
What is the main challenge for the entertainment retail industry today?
From my perspective it seems like the main challenge is continuing to get customers to shop on the high street, and not buying everything online.
The record industry is doing an amazing job at the moment by providing independent shops like mine with ‘indie exclusive’ records to entice customers into shops – all year round, not just on Record Store Day. So, while it continues to be a challenge, there are positive things happening.
Apart from your own, what is your favourite entertainment retailer and why?
My favourite shop in the world is House of Guitars in Rochester, New York. I moved to the States for a couple of years when I was 10, and House of Guitars was an absolute haven for me – it’s a massive music shop with an even bigger record shop at the back – and it’s chaos, but in the best way. I learned so much about music from that shop, and my fascination with records started there. I have been back there a few times since moving back to the UK, and I’m glad to say it’s still the same!
What was the first ever film, album and game you owned and where did you buy them?
Film: I can’t remember the first film I bought with my own money, but I remember begging my parents for the Star Wars trilogy when it was re-released on VHS!
Album: Ace of Base – The Sign – CD Heaven, Hitchin
Game: Super Mario World for the Gameboy Woolworths, Hitchin
What non entertainment retailer do you admire and why?
No one retailer in particular, but to be honest anyone who puts themselves out there and opens an independent shop because they feel passionately enough to risk their time and money gets my respect.
You’re stuck in a lift, name the album, film, book and person that you would like to have with you.
Album: Revolver – The Beatles
Film: Almost Famous
Book: The Perks of being a Wallflower – Stephen Chbosky
Person: Bjork