‘Love letter to Geelong’: Popcultcha opens record store
A new record store helmed by a much-loved Geelong retailer is hoping to bring back the glory days of the city’s live music scene.
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A new record store helmed by a much-loved Geelong retailer is hoping to bring back the glory days of the city’s live music scene.
The aptly named Popcultcha – where shoppers can snap up virtually any type of pop culture merchandise – earlier this year announced its plans to expand into music sales with a new, dedicated space.
Located above the brand’s flagship location in the old Griffiths Bookstore building, music lovers will find more than 4000 record titles and a live performance area.
Popcultcha founder and director Ash Howard told the Geelong Advertiser the space was a “love letter” to growing up around the city’s live music scene.
“It’s probably been brewing since I was a kid, riding my skateboard around the streets of Bell Post Hill and listening to tapes,” he said.
His vision for the space includes a rotating roster of in store appearances, live gigs and exclusive events celebrating musicians and local artists.
“I’ve collected records for the last 10 years and I saw how much of an industry it was over in the United States,” he said.
“We wanted to create a space in Geelong where people could come and engage, discuss and watch live music.”
The grand opening on Saturday will be marked with a free, in-store music festival headlined by Blowers, Split System and Doe St.
Live music will kick off at midday, but the store will be open from 9am.
Giveaways and prizes will be up for grabs throughout the day.
The Geelong megastore made its return to Ryrie St in late 2020, taking over the historic Griffiths Bookstore building after more than a decade on Moorabool St.
“It’s been such a positive move for us,” Mr Howard said.
“We had initial concerns about moving away from Westfield, but our customers have followed us. Now, we’re focused on making the building into a space for families to enjoy.”
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Originally published as ‘Love letter to Geelong’: Popcultcha opens record store