THE OWNER of a record shop in Stroud is positive about the future of vinyl. 

A surge in sales has led  the Office of National Statistics to include vinyl purchases in the ‘basket of goods’ they use to calculate inflation. This is vinyl’s first appearance since 1992.  

Tom Berry, who runs Sounds Records in Stroud said: “The quality of sound from a vinyl record is somehow warmer and more nostalgic.

"You hear the outer reaches of the register more clearly and people are beginning to appreciate this quality again.

"Listening to digital recording means losing certain analogue qualities so although the sound is crisper, it’s actually less rich. 

“There’s also something special about the actual physical object. An LP with its cover art can be a beautiful and iconic thing.

"We lost that with cassettes and CDs first and now, with streaming, there is no physical product at all."

Dr Simon Opher, local GP and Labour Party Candidate for Stroud said, “Records do sound better than digital reproductions.

"There is also something about a record shop in itself.

"Sifting through records, pulling out new ones or old favourites and talking to staff who point you to new things and are so knowledgeable and engaging.

"The whole experience is far more enjoyable than buying stuff online.

"That’s one of the reasons why I am so determined that we rebuild our high streets in all our local centres in and around Stroud.

"It supports the local economy and builds our sense of community.

"People miss the human aspect of the shopping experience.”

Tom added: “We’re hoping that with parking soon becoming free after 2pm in some council car parks, more people will be attracted to shop in all the diverse shops in Stroud.

"The future for record shops certainly looks positive.”