Yesterday (9th June), business secretary Alok Sharma confirmed that non-essential shops are permitted to reopen in England from Monday 15th June – and some record stores have since announced their plans to do just that.
All four of Rough Trade's stores in the country – Rough Trade East (London), Rough Trade West (London), Rough Trade Bristol and Rough Trade Nottingham – will be reopening from next Tuesday (16th), operating restricted hours between Tuesday to Saturday, from 11am until 5:30pm, for the foreseeable. There will be a limited store capacity with social distancing measures in place, and it'll be strictly card-only transactions.
From Monday, Leeds' Crash Records will be open daily from 10am until 5pm for collection of pre-ordered records bought online or over the phone. There won't be any opportunities for browsing, however if something is in stock purchases can be made on the day.
Soho, London's Sister Ray has tweeted (below) that it will also be opening from Monday. Other record shops taking steps to reopen next week include Probe Records in Liverpool and Vinyl Tap Records in Huddersfield. Those wondering whether their local record store is opening should check their social accounts.
Having a bit of a sort out here @SisterRayStore for when we reopen on Mon 15th. All your vinyl & CD needs catered for as per usual but with a slight remix on the social distancing front. pic.twitter.com/1rFbHpqHMqJune 8, 2020
The reopening of non-essential shops is part of the government's three-stage plan to ease lockdown measures, however businesses must follow the social distancing and hygiene guidelines published last month.
Some shops, however, have chosen to remain closed for a while longer. Kingston's Banquet Records will keep its doors closed, due to the fact customers won't be able to browse, and in light of the enforcements necessary to operate effectively with social distance and queue management. It will instead be offering a car park collection service to the rear of the shop instead.
as High Street stores prepare to re-open, we're keeping our doors closed.not being able to browse, to social distance effectively, or manage queues on Eden St, we're offering a Car Park Collection service to the rear of Banquet instead. pic.twitter.com/JTMgALznSIJune 9, 2020
Meanwhile, several record stores throughout the UK continue to offer a vinyl delivery service.
Record Store Day also recently announced new 'drop in' dates for customers to buy 2020 RSD exclusives from their independent record stores. Following the postponement and subsequent cancellation of Record Store Day 2020, the firm has announced the #RSDDROPS dates as 29th August, 26th September and 24th October.
MORE:
8 ways to support your favourite musicians during lockdown
