They are (often) places where you can simply hang out and chat music. They’re a community space as much as a retailer. What’s your local shop? There should be a list of the best, so if it doesn’t exist could we start one?

Mine is Even Flow in Tunbridge Wells. It’s awesome and also a coffee shop and also puts on small gigs. If it sold comics as well I’d literally never spend money anywhere else ever again.

With you on this. And I’d include @justdroppedin.bsky.social In Coventry as one of the best. Great selection of new and old plus they put on great gigs. Really warm community atmosphere.