As you’ve no doubt worked out by now, we love record shops. Whether big or small, rocking a minimalist aesthetic or packing enough vinyl into their overflowing crates to wear down several lifetime’s worth of needles, we love how each and every one has something special in store for its customers. From the quirkiest locals to the big, gig-hosting powerhouses, every thirty-odd days we pick one to be our Record Store of the Month. They get a tasty gift from the Record Tokens team, and you get to discover the best independent record shops this country has to offer – it’s a win-win!
June's Record Store of the Month: Heathen Chemistry Records, Fareham
We're in sunny Hampshire this month to celebrate our winning Record Store of the Month. Heathen Chemistry Records first opened their doors in June 2017 (happy 4th birthday!) and were all set to move premises at the start of 2020... when the pandemic hit. Owner Simon had the unenviable task of moving the whole shop entirely by himself in April, but happily they're now all settled in and preparing for what will hopefully be a much less turbulent summer onwards, starting with the first RSD Drops this month.
Since opening, Heathen Chemistry Records have made a name for themselves locally as Fareham's friendly, one-stop shop for vinyl lovers, with a brilliant range of both new and used vinyl plus REGA turntables and more.
Congratulations to Simon and the rest of the team at Heathen Chemistry (pictured l-r: Steve, Joe, Simon, Debbie and Sophie) and we hope you enjoy what sounds like a well-deserved hamper of delectable treats!
You can find Heathen Chemistry Records at 186 West Street, Fareham. If you're local, be sure to pop in and give them a visit – and don't forget your Record Tokens!
Previous Record Stores of the Month
May 2021 - Roan Records, Middlesex
March 2021 - Strummer Room Records, Banbury
February 2021 - Badlands Records, Cheltenham
January 2021 - Wax and Beans, Bury, Greater Manchester
December 2020 - Underground Solushn, Edinburgh
November 2020 - Sound Knowledge, Wiltshire
October 2020 - Assai Records, Dundee
September 2020 - Vinyl Exchange, Manchester
August 2020 - Slide Record Shop, Bedford
July 2020 - The Forge, Tonyrefail, Wales
June 2020 - Fish Records, Stone, Staffordshire
May 2020 - Raves from the Grave, Frome, Somserset
April 2020 - Red House Records, Swindon
March 2020 - The Rock Box Record Store, Camberley, Surrey
February 2020 - Tasty Records, Altrincham, Greater Manchester
January 2020 - The Record Café, Bradford