An independent record shop that has brought artists including Razorlight to Somerset for performances at its store in Keynsham is opening a second shop in Bristol.
Longwell Records’ new store will be based in retail hub Cargo 2, a series of converted shipping containers in the harbourside neighbourhood of Wapping Wharf.
The business will occupy the unit formerly home to ethical clothing shop Found Hea, which has moved after three years to focus on its new joint venture with another independent retailer Fig 1 at Quakers Friars within Cabot Circus.
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Set to open within the next few weeks, the shop will stock new and used vinyl records and t-shirts with designs by local artists including Oli T and Inkie.
Longwell Records owner Iain Aitchison, who founded the flagship store in Keynsham after a 30-year career in the NHS, said he was hoping to bring “some quite big names” to Wapping Wharf for in-store performances.
Mr Aitchison said: “I'm really looking forward to becoming part of Wapping Wharf's very supportive independent community and bringing some added spice to an area that is already a fantastic location. I am hoping to bring some quite big names to our new home, making the most of the great relationships we have with many record labels."
Mr Aitchison, who grew up in the Southmead area of Bristol, launched the Keynsham store with the help of a EuroMillions lottery winner, who offered him six months' rent, after spotting his potential as a shopkeeper.
As well as multi-platinum selling indie rock band Razorlight, Longwell Records has also previously hosted punk artist Billy Nomates and Mike Peters, the singer of Welsh rock band The Alarm.
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Mr Aitchison said: "My shop has grown into something quite special; it's very inclusive and supportive of the local arts and music scene.
"We stock new and used vinyl with a great reputation for price and for our friendly approach. We know our customers by name, and vice versa, and often have conversations about things going on in their day-to-day life, a mutually supportive relationship."
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Wapping Wharf shopping quarter is now home to over 40 independent restaurants, shop, cafes and lifestyle businesses.
Stuart Hatton, managing director at Umberslade, the developer behind Wapping Wharf, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Iain and his team to Wapping Wharf. It's brilliant that they are bringing something completely new to the already eclectic mix of independent businesses that call the neighbourhood their home.
"We also wish Found Hea all the best with their exciting Quakers Friars venture and thank them for being a wonderful part of the community."