Why beloved Nobby Beach store Rare Groove Records is facing closure threat after 27 years

One of the Gold Coast’s last remaining record stores is desperate for community support amid fears for its future. Find out why and watch the video.

One of the Gold Coast’s last remaining record stores is desperate for community support as light rail drainage works, building construction and a new shopping centre threaten its future.

Rare Groove Records has been selling vinyl, CDs and cassette tapes at Nobby Beach for the past 27 years under the ownership of Ray Parsons and Jenny Chipman.

Anthony Tye came on board with the store 21 years ago.

Anthony Tye from Rare Groove Records. Picture: Glenn Hampson

He said the shop and other Nobby businesses along the Gold Coast Highway were now facing their toughest challenge.

“I think everybody is a little worried about (closing),” Mr Tye said.

“We have been here 27 years and have never really been worried about anything before.”

He said light rail drainage works under way, plus construction of new buildings and a shopping centre nearby, had reduced area parking.

This had led to less customers through the door.

An iconic Nobby Beach record store is under threat. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“It’s a definite worry, but it is what it is,” he said.

“All we can do is try to encourage people to still come in.

“You can still get in here. You just might not be able park out the front - it’s still easily accessible in both directions.”

It is understood 10 parking spaces will be made available again in the area later next week.

Various light rail work is expected to be carried out in the area in the next 12 months.

A community meeting at Nobby Beach on Wednesday will allow residents and businesses to ask questions about the project.

Fencing for light rail drainage works on the Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach. Picture: Glenn Hampson

GoldlinQ CEO Phil Mumford, of the light rail operator, said: “Efforts are being made to minimise disruption for businesses and residents wherever possible.

“The John Holland team is in regular contact with businesses along the alignment, including Nobby Beach. That will continue, with details about works provided as early as possible.”

GoldlinQ’s Love Your Local campaign, designed to encourage Gold Coasters to support businesses along the alignment during Stage 3 works, has ramped up this month.

Mr Tye hoped his record shop and others like it continued for decades to come.

“CDs are having a bit of a resurgence, especially for teenage girls. Because they’re all getting into those 90s bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam and Nirvana,” he said.

“A lot of people are collecting records at the moment, but is it just a fad? We hope not.

“I keep reading about studies saying people are buying records and not playing them. They don’t even have a turntable and that’s just sad. Records are meant to be played, not stuck on a wall.”