The Perfect Gift for a Vinyl Junkie This Christmas? Buy a Record Shop
Beatles (And More) For Sale: B&M London shop is laying it all on the line
With the recent news that Dish Network would be closing 300 brick-and-mortar Blockbuster stores nationwide as it fights through its bankruptcy woes, some people are using the gloom and doom forecast to make a super sales pitch worth scrapping for.
In England, a music store owner is selling his 34-year old record shop, not just the building, not just the day-to-day business, but the entire record collection as well. On The Beat, which has been opened since 1979, is one of the oldest record shops in the center of London, and is only a block away from London’s Tin Pan Alley. The building is at least five decades old and sits “right in Soho,” according to one online description. Owner Tim Derbyshire feels the it is time to pass the torch on to the next bohemian record collector. “Even with more people buying vinyl these days, it’s a struggle to make ends meet,” he says. “I have really enjoyed my time running the shop. I’m just so tired now.”
The store, which houses more than 25,000 vinyl records, is available for purchase – in all places – on eBay and there’s absolutely no bids for it. Pay up £300,000 ($482,000 in U.S. currency) or shut up.
On the eBay post, the description of the store sounds almost impossible to pass up – even if it feels a bit depressing from a certain angle. “A vinyl treasure trove with a pulsing, groovin’ history steeped in its very walls,” it says. “Without someone buying it, it will disappear. If you’re mad about music, love vinyl and want to keep the dream alive, here’s your chance to take on an Aladdin’s Cave of musical gems. I’ve given it my heart and soul for all these years but it’s time for me to step down and let another passionate music lover take over.”
Hurry up, though. The “once in a lifetime” store sale ends in fifteen days (Nov. 25). That means no Black Friday special for you.
So far, only 31 offers have been made.
Look into the On The Beat eBay sale by clicking here.
