The owners of an independent record shop in Bedford town centre have announced the business will soon close its doors for the last time.
Slide Record Shop, located in The Arcade, has been a regular favourite for music and vinyl fans since opening in Bedford in 2017.
The “much-loved” shop was known for more than just being ‘vital for vinyl’; the team regularly championed live music, partnering with musicians, music venues and other indie businesses to promote music of all genres.
Past events included a record signing and meet-and-greet with Inspiral Carpets, as well as an album release show for Alfie Templeman.
Most recently, the shop partnered with the local music venue Bedford Esquires to host an “out store” show featuring the Hoosiers in May, marking the band’s first time performing there.
The shop was also a staple for vinyl collectors during annual Record Store Day events, throwing parties to celebrate independent record stores.
Speaking to the Bedford Clanger, co-owner Nerys Bannister explained that the decision to close the shop was not easy.
“We have absolutely loved running Slide and the decision to close has not been an easy one. However, as our fellow Bedford Indies know, running your own business is all-consuming,” she said.
“Warren is turning 60 next year and with our lease coming up for renewal, the time felt right for us to do something different.”
“The time has come”
Owners Warren Alsopp and Nerys Bannister shared the news of the closure on their social media channels.
In a video featuring pictures of customers in the shop over the years, they said: ‘The time has come for Slide to close its doors.
‘It’s been quite the ride, but we need to change things up for our boys and ourselves. Thank you for joining in.
‘When, we made Bedford our home. We had no idea we weren’t just starting a business. We were joining a community.
‘You have become our friends. We have had a brilliant time, and when things got tough, you were there for us. All your orders will be honoured, and if you want to make any changes, just let us know.
‘If you have a gift voucher, please come in and use it or exchange it for a record token. We aren’t going anywhere. We will see you around Bedford Town (very much not sh*t).
‘Esquires, roll your own records, Remedy, The Flea Market, you get the idea. Warren is returning to his crate-digging roots, so don’t unfollow us just yet.
‘Again, thank you. We have loved pretty much every minute of this mad adventure, and even when we didn’t, you all made it worth it.
‘Yours in music, community and connection, Warren and Neris.’
“Nooooo”
The team also recently took part in the Bedford Independent and Bedford Clanger’s Bedford Summer Sessions competition in collaboration with independent businesses, giving away tickets to see Tom Grennan.
Read: Welcome to ‘Grenford’, Tom Grennan’s sold-out homecoming proves (again) Bedford isn’t sh*t
Music lovers have naturally reacted sadly to the news.
‘Nooooo! Very sad news but family come first. What an amazing shop and such lovely people. Going to miss the shop and the chats too. Wish you both all the best in everything you do’, commented one on Slide’s announcement.
Many wrote they were ‘gutted’ to hear the news; one described it as a ‘sad loss for Bedford’.
Local independent businesses have also joined in with the well wishes
Local music promoter and co-owner of Esquires, Gareth Barber wrote, ‘Absolutely gutted about this, but understand the reasons and wish you and your family all the love for the future.
‘Everything about Slide is what you’d want in an independent record shop in your town, and 10 years is a long time.
‘Thank you for putting up with us selling tickets in there for so long, and I look forward to seeing you at more gigs x’
Meanwhile, Gemma at The Arc wrote, ‘Nerys and Warren, this is a HUGE loss for the Bedford Indie Scene. What brilliant people you are and what brilliant things you will go on to do. Xxx’
An exact date for closure hasn’t been set, with the owners simply saying the shop is expected to stay open for “the next few weeks”.
