Music lovers turned up in large numbers to enjoy the official opening of the new Quicksilver Music shop in Southport town centre.
The iconic local independent business, owned by Dave Thornley, opened at 9am on Saturday (6th April 2024) after a six-week makeover.
Customers travelled from around the region to be there as they scoured through shelves full of rare vinyl records and CDs from a variety of genres and eras.
The new Quicksilver Music is based at 1 Market Street, on the corner of King Street and Market Street, after moving from four days away along Market Street.
The transformation of the former Karbon Kopy shop has seen Dave move across thousands of his cherished vinyl records and other goods.
It is another boost for the growing Southport Market Quarter area, which has seen an increase in footfall and new businesses since the £1.4million transformation of Southport Market into a new food, drink and events venue in 2021.
Dave Thornley said: “We are really made up to be open!
“It has taken six weeks to get to this stage, and it’s been fantastic to see so many customers coming back to visit us on our opening day. We’ve missed them!
The new Quicksilver Music record store, owned by Dave Thornley, has now opened at 1 Market Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“I have been really humbled by the large turnout we had, with people not just coming in to have a look, but also piling up records and other things to buy and take home to enjoy.
“We will be opening on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9am-4pm, and are looking forward to welcoming people.
“We are still selling our usual new and used vinyl and used CDs, but we now have space for lots more stock, so there is so much more out on the shop floor for people to go through.”
A sign in the window outlines the records that Dave is looking for – and the ones he isn’t.
The new Quicksilver Music record store, owned by Dave Thornley, has now opened at 1 Market Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The sign says: ‘We buy clean records. Very interested in punk, post punk, prog, psych, 90s indie, 60s / 70s, rock / blues, 80s synth / electronic, 50s rock ‘n’ roll, jazz / folk / metal / soul & funk.
‘Please call in for a chat.
‘No Shirley Bassey!’
Dave said: “Shirley Bassey records just won’t sell! You’ll never sell a Shirley Bassey record these days.
“We have thousands of records in our shop that customers can browse through.
“The things that are selling well right now – 80s records, post punk, new wave, the likes of The Cure, Joy Division, New Order, reggae, soul.
The new Quicksilver Music record store, owned by Dave Thornley, has now opened at 1 Market Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“Our big sellers used to be bands like Led Zeppelin, but not so much these days. I think people have bought them all!”
Dave is delighted to be taking up a more prominent position within Southport Market Quarter.
He said: “The Market Quarter is coming along nicely! There are lots of positive things happening here, it’s a great place to be.
“There are some really good local businesses here along King Street and Market Street and new investment coming in.
“I am looking forward to seeing the glory days coming back here.”
The new Quicksilver Music record store, owned by Dave Thornley, has now opened at 1 Market Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Quicksilver Music has been a popular fixture in Southport town centre since it opened on Market Street, opposite the side of Southport Market, in July 2009.
It was well known for its eye-catching Hunter S Thompson mural on the shutters.
Owner Dave Thornley is renowned for his extensive vinyl record collection, and his brilliant Facebook videos.
He said: “After nearly 15 years in this little shop, we are pleased to be moving a few doors down to bigger premises from 6th April 2024.
“Thanks for all your support, and to everyone who has paid us a visit and spent your hard earned cash over the years.
“Now let’s get excited about what’s to come!”
Quicksilver Music is situated at 1 Market Street, Southport town centre, phone: 01704 542939, visit: www.quicksilvermusic.co.uk
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