First became a fan of Spookey Ruben because of 101 as picked up his incredibly 'different' album Modes Of Transport Vol 1 album in there for a pittance. Because of 101 and the nearby Beanos, Croydon was well worth the long trip (from Hastings) in those days because no matter who you were into you never knew what 'un-known gem' you might come home with... Comment Tony May
Dave Harwood: “I did not visit 101 Records at their original shop at 101 George Street (where Bonaparte’s used to be), but was a regular customer at the larger shop when they moved to 11 Keeley Road, Croydon. I bought countless LPs and CDs from their extremely friendly and helpful staff over the years, and could almost guarantee meeting up with an old friend there whilst browsing the racks. Glad they are still in business.”
Duncan Barnes, the owner of 101 Records, had a letter printed in the Croydon Advertiser this week about the redevelopment of their original site at East Croydon station into a Boxpark. Here are the relevant bits: “As a businessman who has been here since 1986 I love Croydon and fully support the proposed redevelopment of the Whitgift (Centre) and surrounding area, but in the interim already-suffering small businesses will need help to survive. I have an interest in the Boxpark site – this shop was previously based at 101 George Street, hence its name; we were evicted in late 1990 for the greater things to come. Some 25 years on, with nothing having happened and with this business having to move to a far less commercially viable location, some would understand that I see the latest ‘short term’ project as a sticking plaster for a disastrous decision – why not simply rebuild the shops they destroyed! (There are) plenty of established businesses like mine across the town facing a difficult future who are far more likely to stabilise the town during the redevelopment works by actually remaining open! Duncan Barnes, 101 Records, 11 Keeley Road, Croydon.
" (where I bought Josef K's Chance Meeting, the B52s' Wild Planet and Love's Forever Changes)" Bob Stanley
