Derek's Records Ltd

Raymond Clarke 8y

I worked there in the summer of 1979 after taking my 'O' levels. It was a much better shop inside than the exterior suggested. The upper floor was entirely classical with an extensive selection, the ground floor was pop, and although the basement's trade was mainly in 60s & early 70s pop it had a large number of classical deletions, making it almost as useful for the classical enthusiast as the upper floor. It faced competition when 'Classix' opened only a few yards away in the Burlington Arcade in 1982 - founded by one of the classical staff from Beales, which itself used to have a massive classical LP selection. I think when Derek's closed down it became a branch of Laura Ashley.