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A-Z Records NSW (Supplied)
What is your store called?
The store is named A-Z Records
Where are you located?
Location is 203 Victoria Rd, Gladesville, NSW
Tell us about the people behind the scenes?
At the moment it is a self-run business. Over the coming weeks I will be offering my 45 year private collection for sale, which encompasses some 30,000 items! Needless to say I will be expanding and hiring staff. As you can tell, I have a real passion (some would say obsession) with collecting records. I have always dreamt of owning my own 'bricks and mortar' record store, and finally, at this stage in my life, I had the opportunity to fulfill that dream.
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When and why did the store open?
I opened in September 2024. The main reason for opening is that I can't see myself doing anything else. I feel I am one of the lucky ones, who loves their job! Growing up, I had fond memories of frequenting record stores and having that relationship with the store owner and learning about music and records in general. My intention was to offer that same thrill and experience to the new generation of record collectors as well as catering for the discerning collector. Having grown up in the area, I also have a great affinity to Gladesville, and its great to not only reconnect with locals, but also give back to my community.
What do your customers most know you for?
I would defiantly have to say that the thing that my customers know me the most for is my passion. You cannot 'fake' passion.
What is the most popular title you stock at the moment?
The most popular title has to be Fleetwood Macs Rumours album. I often joke that I wished I had a Rumours tree in my backyard!
What is the most popular evergreen title?
Most evergreen title would have to be Pink Floyds Dark Side Of The Moon
What is the best thing about running a record store in 2025?
The best thing about running a record store in 2025 is seeing the joy it brings to people. Music (particularly vinyl format) appeals to all generations. I also love the fact that the store brings people together, to share the love of music. In this day and age of 'self-serve' and instant gratification, it's humbling to see how much a little record store means to a community.
What is the hardest thing about running a record store in 2025?
The hardest things about running a record store in 2025 is obviously the costs of running a business, especially startup costs. You won't become a millionaire owning a record store, however, you will be enriched in many other ways.