The owner of a Greater Manchester record store has confirmed its closure, prompting a huge outpouring of sadness. One of Altrincham's best-loved independent businesses, Tasty Records, is closing its doors after eight years of trading.
Ben Molesworth, owner of the store on Regent Road in the town centre, confirmed the news via social media, describing the decision as 'complicated'. In the update, he said the store 'deserves more than [he] can give it'.
In the update, shared on social media and on signs plastered on the windows at the store, Ben wrote: 'Tasty Records has closed. It's time for me to concentrate on other things.'
He said Tasty Records 'isn't dead, only sleeping' and confirmed that its website, Discogs account, and social media accounts are still active. Thousands in 'great vinyl stock' remains.
Ben used the post to invite offers to take over the business, adding: 'Send an offer to tastyrecordsaltrincham@gmail.com if you want to take over my awesome little record shop.'
An automatic email reply reads: 'Thank you for a wonderful 14 years of selling records in Altrincham, Tasty Records is being sold and a new owner will soon be in touch with you to introduce themselves. Thanks again for all your support, a more full statement will be made on social media soon but until then if your enquiry is urgent someone will get back to you but it may not be straight away.'
The record shop was known for its wide range of new and high-quality second-hand records, and was also a Record Store Day partner, which is known for drawing huge queues as fans line up to seek sought-after and limited-edition vinyls.
News of its closure and sale led to a huge reaction online as customers, residents, and DJs reacted to the news. DJ Deb Grant, who presents on BBC Radio 6 Music, wrote: 'Oh wow! Good for you for stepping back if you need to but very much looking forward to hearing what comes next.'
Another wrote: 'So sorry to hear this, loved visiting you when I was over from the US. I hope you can get a buyer who will keep this amazing business going. Good luck in your next venture.'
A third commented: 'Ahh gutted this is my fav spot! Hopefully the legacy of Tasty Records will continue! Best of luck on future adventures.'
Just last month, Stone Roses star Ian Brown was spotted paying a surprise visit to the Altrincham record store. The musician and lead singer of the iconic Manchester band 'popped into' the shop ahead of the Manchester tribute event for his late bandmate Gary 'Mani' Mounfield.
Posting about the visit on Instagram, the record store said that Ian, who grew up in Timperley, came into the shop and asked them if they wanted anything signed before jokingly asking if they can get an in-store session from him 'next time he visits'. The post showed Ian holding up a signed copy of the Stone Roses' debut album - something that the store says it might sell for 'a reet good offer'. The post added: 'Not every day a stone cold Manchester legend pops in the shop and asks if you want him to sign anything.'
