Record shops reopen their doors after lockdown: "We're back!"

Record shops celebrate as they reopen their doors after months of lockdown.

After multiple lockdowns over the past year, today (April 12) sees UK record shops along with other non-essential retailers finally reopen their doors to the public.

Many record shops have faced an uncertain future over the past 12 months, with many adapting their trading models to survive, offering online ordering and home delivery for the first time.

The move has helped keep physical music sales strong in 2021, with all but one of the 15 Number 1s on the Official Albums Chart this year being powered to the top spot by a majority of physical sales. Last week, physical sales accounted for 16.3% of the albums market, according to Official Charts Company data.

All of HMV's 93 shops across England and Wales and most independent record stores are back open for buyers to snap up the latest release or crate dig for hidden gems - though social distancing and other safety measures continue to be in place. Remember to check in with your local before making the journey; find your nearest shop at recordstoreday.co.uk/stores/

MORE: Vinyl reissues and special releases coming in 2021

The reopening arrives in good time ahead of this year's Record Store Day, which this year takes places across two dates, June 12 and July 17. See the full list of exclusive releases here.

Remember to mask up, keep a social distance from others, prepare to wait/queue, and go easy on the staff - it's been a minute.

Rough Trade's four UK outlets in (two in London, one in Bristol and one in Nottingham) are open today, including its East London store, who are encouraging buyers to bring their pets along for the fun.

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Meanwhile, Manchester's iconic Piccadilly Records has refreshed its display and are back open until 6pm.

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A post shared by Piccadilly Records (@piccadillyrecords)

Banquet Records in Kingston won't be opening up just yet, revealing that none of their customer-facing stuff have been offered the vaccine yet. You can still order from them online though.