Give us the background - when and why did you decide to open a record shop

Reggie’s evolved into a record shop over a few years. It started as a bookshop and vintage store that sold a few records. The records sold really well and it just kept building from there.

Once we were established as a “record store” it enabled us to develop the new vinyl offerings (alongside the pre-loved vinyl) and become a Record Store Day retailer. From there it’s just grown!

I guess the journey reflects the fact it’s been a very customer-led development, and as the customer base grows and/or changes, so does the shop.

Tell us about your store – what’s the vibe

We have a strong and growing local customer base all year round, but during the summer, Ventnor is a busy visitor destination so it can be pretty heaving in the shop at times. The Ventnor Fringe Festival is on towards the end of July so from then on until September is our peak of the year.

It’s really important that the vibe is upbeat. We have a pair of DJ record decks in the shop, and make a real effort to curate the music for the mood. It’s not unknown to have plenty of dancing in the aisles!

CAN YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST RECORD YOU SOLD IN THE SHOP? AND THE LAST?

You know what, I really can’t remember the first! Though I do remember selling my own copy of Japan Tin Drum and forever regretting it. I’ve just sold the new reissue of George Harrison Brainwashed to one of our Beatles’ regulars, the lovely Steve.

DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST RECORD SHOP YOU WENT TO? AND YOU DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST RECORD YOU BOUGHT?

I would buy my singles at “Woolies” as a kid but the first album I bought with money from a Saturday job, was Human League Dare at Studio 4 in Ryde, Isle of Wight

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE RECORD STORE EXPERIENCE?

For National Album Day in October this year we hosted two young singing duos doing acoustic sets. The youngest pair, Daysi and Luca, gave a performance so beautiful that it brought me to tears. That was really special.

HOW SUCCESSFUL HAS RECORD STORE DAY BEEN FOR YOUR STORE?

Fantastic, actually. It’s really helped us build a new customer base with younger vinyl enthusiasts and new vinyl record collectors. It’s also given us the opportunity to use the day as a platform for local bands and artists, who we have had playing in store. RSD has created another dimension to our reputation as a ‘destination business’.

What's the best gig you've ever been to?

NOTHING TO DO WITH MUSIC I’M AFRAID. I’M AN OUT AND OUT HISTORY GEEK. ESPECIALLY CRIMINAL HISTORY, SO IT WOULD PROBABLY HAVE TO BE THE ITALIAN BOY BY SARAH WISE. I’VE LOST COUNT HOW MANY TIMES I’VE READ IT.

What's your all-time favourite book

THE DESCENT – CHICKS WITH PICKS, BLOOD AND MONSTERS. WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE!

What's your all-time favourite film?

AL GREEN, TAKE ME TO THE RIVER
BEE GEES, YOU SHOULD BE DANCING
TONY DI BART, THE REAL THING
RAM JAM, BLACK BETTY
FUN BOY THREE, OUR LIPS ARE SEALED
BEACH BOYS, GOD ONLY KNOWS
ALL SAINTS, BLACK COFFEE
RITA AND THE TIARAS, GONE WITH THE WIND

What would make up your desert island discs?

Al Green - Take Me to the River / Bee Gees - You Should Be Dancing / Tony Di Bart - The Real Thing / Ram Jam - Black Betty / Fun Boy Three - Our Lips are Sealed / Beach Boys - God Only Knows / All Saints - Black Coffee / Rita and the Tiaras - Gone With the Wind

Who would form your all-time Festival line-up? (past & present)

Texas

Chic

George Michael

Queen

Erasure

Paloma Faith

What's your all-time favourite record?

Texas - Southside. Still sounds fantastic

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