Swordfish Records, previously located in Temple Street, has now moved to Dalton Street. Gareth Owen, one of the co-owners of the record shop, spoke to the Birmingham Mail about Swordfish Records, saying:
“There are very few record shops in and around the Midlands, so hopefully people will hunt us out. At least we were able to continue it. One option was to not run a shop at all and maybe go online. But it’s what we do – we really like the interaction and meeting people. It’s the sort of shop that appeals to very serious music fans who like to browse. It’s what we trade off really.
There appears to be something of a vinyl revival as music fans look for something more tangible to add to their music collection in the age of digital music and downloadable albums. As part of this, the shop is able to display its vast vinyl collection with eye-catching point of sale displays that direct customers to rare records or interesting new releases.
The new David Bowie record is currently the best-selling record in the shop, attracting customers old and new, helped by the fact that the shop can direct customers towards this record using POS printing.
South Birmingham and the wider midlands area are known for their music fans, with a vibrant live music scene in the city and famous rockers such as Ozzy Osbourne hailing from the area. The success of Swordfish Records is testament to this scene, which looks set to go from strength to strength.