Berlin, DE | Berlin record stores reopening as lockdown is relaxed: Elevate, Bikini Waxx and Melting Point are among the stores that have reopened their doors: Berlin record stores are opening their doors once again as Germany tentatively relaxes its lockdown measures. Since Monday morning, shops in Germany smaller than 800 sq m have been given permission to reopen as the country starts to take small steps back to normality in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Popular record stores such as Cinthie’s Elevate, Bikini Waxx and Melting Point are among the stores that are reopening this week, albeit with strict social distancing measures and limited opening times in keeping with the laws put in place by the government. You can see each store’s statement surrounding their opening policies below. While this is heartening news to see, it’s a small step in what is likely to be a long process. Clubs, bars and cafés will remain closed for the time being, as chancellor Angela Merkel has warned that people in Germany must remain “disciplined and watchful” as lockdown is eased.
Los Angeles, CA | This Hollywood book and record shop hangs by a thread, waiting for federal help: Counterpoint Records & Books, serving the Hollywood Hills since 1980, is in danger of closing its doors for good. In normal times, that wouldn’t count as news anywhere outside the store’s Beachwood Canyon neighborhood. But millions of mom-and-pop businesses have gone dark around the country to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus. Many are just as spooked as Counterpoint Records & Books co-owner Susan Polifronio. With no customers or revenue, with bills still to be paid and debt piling high, the possibility grows every day that many won’t be able to reopen. The federal government was supposed to help, but its $349-billion small-business-loan program was exhausted in days, with some of the money going to major corporations that include national restaurants and at least one coal mining company. Millions of small businesses that sought loans have yet to see any money, according to the National Federation of Independent Business, which surveyed its members Friday and found that 80% were still waiting on federal help.
Stirling, UK | Record store owner warns local business after break-in: Stirling town centre main-stay Europa Music was broken into this week as non essential businesses lay empty during the current pandemic. Ewen Duncan, 60, the owner of the property was called out by police on Tuesday after it was spotted the door had been smashed on the now empty streets. Police Scotland confirmed two men aged 28 and 34 have been arrested and a report sent to the Procurator Fiscal after pictures of the offenders were circulated on social media. Mr Duncan, who has ran the store for over 20 years, begged other shopkeepers to make sure that they are fully insured and their security is as tight as it can be. “We thought we were well secured” he said, “until somebody proved us wrong” “Please make sure that you are well covered insurance wise and well locked up. Make sure anything small and nickable and easily taken away is locked away.” The theives surprisingly never stole any of the vinyl but instead made a bee-line for the smoking paraphenalia just in from the front door, and also had a go at the till, breaking the drawer in the process of trying to prise it open.
Jason Isbell Supports Indie Record Stores With Early ‘Reunions’ Release: Performer’s new album with the 400 Unit will be available one week before its originally slated May 15th release. Good news for fans eager to hear the new Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit album, Reunions: There is now a way to get it early. On Wednesday, the singer announced plans to release the album exclusively to independent record stores in the U.S. and Canada on May 8th, one week ahead of its official street date of May 15th. Isbell and his label Southeastern Records made the decision as a show of support to independent retailers, many of whom are struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic. Shoppers will have the chance to buy a special “Dreamsicle”-colored LP (in honor of a track on Reunions) as well as a standard LP and CD, and purchases will include a print of “Red Eye,” Isbell’s 1959 Gibson Les Paul. The Record Store Day website offers options to search nearby indie record stores and preorder the album. Isbell’s sixth album and follow-up to The Nashville Sound, Reunions pairs him once again with producer Dave Cobb and includes contributions from David Crosby and Rival Sons singer Jay Buchanan. In February, he released the track “Be Afraid,” which he followed soon after with “What’ve I Done to Help” and “Only Children.”
