VINTAGE Trax, the independent retro vinyl record shop, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend with two days of music, special offers, and giveaways.

The store, located at 11a Church Green East in Redditch, has become a staple in the community since its relocation from Birchfield Road in 2020.

Owner Ros Sidaway saw an opportunity to fill a void in the market when Redditch was left without a record shop after HMV went into administration.

The idea for Vintage Trax first surfaced in 2013 and 2014 with two pop-up shops in the Kingfisher Centre.

However, it wasn't until Sidaway stumbled upon discarded boxes of vinyl albums that the concept really took shape.

Owner Ros Sidaway said: “When we first opened, Redditch did not have a record shop in the town or wider district.

"HMV had gone into administration some months before and I, as a music lover, saw a gap in the market.”

“But it was when I was at the tip one day and saw someone throw away boxes and boxes of vinyl albums that I decided to dip my toe in the water. Recycling and reusing vinyl records, cassette tapes and CDs and keeping the music alive is at the heart of Vintage Trax.”

Vintage Trax has customers regularly visiting from around the West Midlands region as well as further afield, and even abroad.

Artists rehearsing at the Fly By Night facility at Lakeside have also popped in including Curtis “You’re All That Matters To Me” Stigers.

Ros added: “It’s not been an easy time since the pandemic with rising costs and increased competition from record fairs and online sellers but we are holding our own.

“There is no better experience than coming into a record shop and digging through the crates of albums and trays of 45s and finding something you’ve been searching for. And customers can buy from us with confidence, knowing that if they are unhappy with the quality of the vinyl purchased, they can always exchange it or have a refund, if preferred.”

To celebrate the 10th anniversary, Vintage Trax will be hosting two days of music, special offers, giveaways and of course, a wide range of quality pre-loved vinyl records, cassettes and CDs.

The store will also be raising money for charity.

Ros said: “I wanted to do something to benefit a locally based charity as well as celebrating 10 years of trading in Redditch.

“So I have chosen Cavell which is based in Grosvenor House on Prospect Hill”.

Cavell supports UK nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants, working and retired when facing personal or financial hardship often due to illness, disability, older age, domestic abuse and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The celebration will begin at 10am to 4pm each day with light refreshments available to customers throughout the day.