How Many Record Shops Are There in London?

By Anna Duncan

London is a city that is renowned for its diverse range of music and culture. From jazz to punk, hip-hop to classical, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.

With the rise of digital streaming services, it’s easy to forget about the humble record shop. But for many music lovers, nothing beats the feeling of flicking through stacks of vinyl and stumbling upon a hidden gem. In this article, we’ll take a look at how many record shops there are in London.

Record Shops in London

London is home to a vast number of record shops, each with its unique character and charm. From the legendary Rough Trade in East London to the quirky Sounds of the Universe in Soho, there is a record shop catering to every taste.

Rough Trade East

Rough Trade East is one of the most famous record shops in London. Located on Brick Lane in East London, it’s known for its extensive selection of vinyl across all genres and regular live events featuring both emerging and established musicians.

Sounds of the Universe

Sounds of the Universe is another popular record shop located in Soho. The shop specializes in rare and hard-to-find records from all corners of the world, making it a must-visit destination for serious collectors.

Phonica Records

Phonica Records can be found on Poland Street in Soho and has become one of London’s premier destinations for electronic music lovers. The shop stocks an extensive range of techno, house, and other electronic genres both new and old.

How Many Record Shops Are There?

It’s difficult to say exactly how many record shops there are in London as new ones pop up frequently while others close down due to rising rents or dwindling sales. However, according to a 2018 article by Time Out London, there were at least 47 independent record shops in the city.

Support Your Local Record Shop

Despite the rise of digital streaming, record shops continue to play a vital role in the music industry. Not only do they provide a physical space for music lovers to connect and discover new artists, but they also help support independent labels and musicians.

If you’re a music lover, make sure to visit your local record shop and show your support. You never know what hidden gems you might discover!

  • In conclusion: London is home to a diverse range of record shops catering to every taste.
  • According to Time Out London: there were at least 47 independent record shops in the city as of 2018.
  • Record shops continue to play a vital role: in supporting independent labels and musicians while providing a physical space for music lovers to connect and discover new artists.

So why not step away from your computer or phone, head out into the city, and explore all that London’s record shops have to offer?