An north-east independent record shop is taking part in a 24-hour campaign to help keep small businesses afloat.
Sales of vinyl have experienced a resurgence in recent years, hitting a record high in the UK in 2019.
But, like many businesses which rely on face-to-face transactions, traders have had no option but to watch takings plummet during the Covid-19 crisis.
Chameleon is a home design and vinyl record shop on Union Grove in Aberdeen, and it is just one of more than 130 premises supporting the #LoveRecordStores initiative on Saturday, June 20.
Owner, Michael Moloney, said Chameleon has been closed for 12 weeks and had suffered from missing out on the usual boost in sales associated with the annual Record Store Day in April.
Mr Moloney said: “To fill the gap, a number of independent distributors put together a campaign.
“It is intended to support local stores that have had to close and offer unique products to sell online.
“It is a bit different as the previous campaign was a walk-in, and we relied on the shop being open and it involved queues.
“We can’t have that at the moment so it will be a different challenge but we’re looking forward to it.
“It is important as obviously we are investing money in buying releases, but because the event is online, it is open to everybody and it’s not just Aberdeen but all over the world.
“It will also hopefully raise the profile of the shop.”
Chameleon has been offering free home deliveries on all online orders and a “two for £27” deal.
Because of its “loyal customers”, the business will be able to reopen in phase two of the governments exit plan.
The #LoveRecordStores day will have 24-hours of live performances and interviews, among other things.
A range of special vinyl releases will be made available to fans during the online event, with artists from Artic Monkeys, Oasis, Radiohead and Libertines to Nirvana, T Rex, Grey Dogs and King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard all taking part.
Jason Rackham, co-founder of the campaign, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from artists, DJs and labels for the event on June 20.
“Alongside the dozens of new and re-issued record releases we’re making available for music fans to buy online from their favourite record stores, our 24-hour ‘virtual in-store’, which is the biggest online ‘in-store’ event the world has ever seen, has a stunning line-up of talent, all of whom are passionate about supporting this event.”
The event will start at 7am on Saturday, June 20, and performances can be viewed at http://www.loverecordstores.com
