Launch success for vinyl store

Photo: Sheri Denson

Owner Mick Harwood with classic scooter.

MICK Harwood’s IQ Tunes record store launch was described by the man himself as “an absolute success”.

The new vinyl store - Oldham’s first in more than two decades - opened on the first anniversary of Harwood’s Scoots, Suits and Boots mod-fashion store launch in Yorkshire Street, and coincided with national Record Store Day.

As around scooters turned up join in the fun, an eclectic line-up of performers included a community choir organised by fellow Independent Quarter business Muso’s, Tony Daly, Matt Cummings, Ben Warwick, Son Primo Accoustic and Ryan Jarvis.

This was all held together by floor-shaking sets of northern soul, Sixties club soul and British beat, courtesy of Lancashire Soul Corporation’s Big Shed.

Harwood said: “We drew customers from as far as Shrewsbury and Wrexham and the shop was mad busy all day. We see it as another step towards blending cool clothes with fantastic music, and local artists and creatives.”

“The day was also a testament to the co-operative nature of Oldham’s Independent Quarter.

“We received help from fellow businesses Nosh cafe and Pike View Animal Rescue, and all our neighbours were supportive of Oldham Council alllowing us to restrict parking in bays in front of the shop to scooter and bike only parking.

“We were also given a massive boost in the run-up to the event when Steve Holt, of the Inspiral Carpets, brought in a copy of the their most recent album, signed by all the band. It was a fantastic present, and will be taking pride of place hung in the shop.”