For the past seven years, London-based record store Rough Trade has operated an expansive, 10,000-square-foot retail space and concert venue in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood. Now, the company says it’s closing down that location and relocating to a to-be-determined new space somewhere in New York City later this year.
The company says the current location will close down in the spring, and that the venue -- operated in partnership with the Bowery Presents -- will not re-open in the same space, though it did not disclose whether its new location would also incorporate a venue space. All scheduled and future shows have been canceled -- though in-person events had already been shelved due to the pandemic.
“Our much-loved Williamsburg store has done us proud in helping establish Rough Trade as a New York-worthy music retail and gig destination, serving the city’s music lovers and the wider music artist community with expertise, creativity and passion,” Rough Trade co-owner Stephen Godfroy said in a statement. “Not only has it helped put us on the map here in New York, it’s also proven the relevancy and importance of record shops to a whole new generation of music fan -- showing that alongside the merits of streaming, there’s also a time and place for hanging out in an inspiring space that celebrates past, present and emerging music culture, one that offers a kaleidoscopic array of recordings to cherish and own, a place to meet other curious minds that helps establish a life-affirming sense of belonging, community and friendship."