SAVE OUR RECORD SHOPS: The Emporium, Redruth
Hey Lorna, how long has your shop been open?
My father opened his shop over 45 years ago, it has been trading in its current location since 1974, closing as John Oliver in 2007. It has been trading as The Emporium since then, run by myself and my husband, also called John!
Do you specialise in any particular kind of music?
We specialise in all things Cornish, including a wide variety of CDs and DVDs of local interest, from choirs and bands to unsigned groups.
What has been the most memorable thing that has happened in the shop over the years?
It was wonderful to be able to hold a surprise celebration for my parents to commemorate 40 years trading. We invited many of the previous staff from over the years, hid them in the shop then called my parents in – it was really special as they had so many memories.
How have the changes in the music industry (downloading etc) affected your shop?
I would say that supermarket and online sales have had a greater effect on our trade. Downloading has destroyed the singles market, but if people really like the artist they still want the album.
Has your clientele or the music/products you sell changed since downloading became more popular?
We have stopped selling singles and have had to diversify into other retail areas more than before, but we still maintain a selection of music, especially Cornish, and do well on customer orders as fewer places offer this service now.
How have you tried to address the changes that you have witnessed in the industry – what are you doing that’s new?
We have recently set up a website (www.theemporiumreduth.co.uk). For us, specialisation is the key – Cornish products are in demand worldwide, but we hope to maintain and hopefully re-establish our place in the general music market as well.
Where do you see things going in the next four or five years? Will you still be open as a shop?
Everyone seems to have been struggling lately, and we are no exception, but I do believe that things have bottomed out now and we have every intention of maintaining a business and music presence in Redruth!
