Record Store of the Month accolade for Strummer Room Records

13/04/2021

Record shop at Cherwell Business Village now sells record tokens and new releases as it celebrates award

Banbury’s only independent record shop has been named as Record Store of the Month for March.   The accolade for Strummer Room Records comes from the Record Tokens organisation.

In selecting Strummer Room Records as their most recent winner, Record Tokens said: “We love that they stock a diverse selection of brand new vinyl, second-hand LPs, CDs, DVDs and music-related books, and we love their active social media profile where they promote new music.”

Chris Oakes is the owner of Strummer Room Records.   He was delighted to receive the award.   Mr Oakes said: “I’m very honoured. Its been a hectic few months changing from being a second-hand record store into Banbury’s only independent record shop specialising in new vinyl.

“We signed up to sell record tokens, which is run by the national book tokens scheme.   We’ve only been running as a new record store online for the last few months, so for them to pick-up on what we’ve been doing – mainly in social media – is mainly why we’ve got the award.”

Having been running the business on-line during lockdown Mr Oakes was delighted to be able to welcome back customers.   He said: “I’ve had people making appointments and telling me they can’t wait for me to open again.   They come in and spend 45 minutes to an hour just digging through the boxes.”

Today, Strummer Room Records is based in Unit F159 at the Cherwell Business Village on the Southam Road – the old aluminium laboratories.   It started life as an independent music project which became involved in the organisation of small festivals and gigs in the area.   The first shop was based on the top floor above a Parson’s Street shop, but subsequently moved to a unit in Church Lane and then to the Cherwell Business Village in November 2020.

Specialising in brand new releases, re-issues and forthcoming releases, Strummer Room Records stocks a selection of good quality second-hand LP’s, 7″ & 12″ Singles, CD’s, DVD’s and music-related books.

During lock-down Mr Oakes has been busy converting what was his office and warehouse into a functioning record shop.   Following the change in lockdown rules the shop can now open and welcome customers.   It is recommended that people book in advance of their visit, due to current COVID rules. 

Strummer Room Records will be taking part in this year’s Record Store Day, split over two dates on 12th June and 17th July.    Over 200 independent record shops from across the UK will come together to celebrate their unique culture and offer special vinyl releases exclusively on the day.   Strummer Room Records is the only venue taking part locally, with Leamington, Oxford and Witney the nearest other places.

Strummer Room Records can be reached on 01295 262202 or via strummerroom.com.


Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam

Reader's opinions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *



Current track

Title

Artist

Background