Oldham's only record shop relocates into shiny new venue

Inner Space Records, which sits in the heart of Uppermill village on High Street, only opened in August 2020 - not long after the first lockdown.

But ever since, it has stood as the only vinyl shop in Oldham and Tameside with pride as it offers more than new and secondhand records to browse but musical advice and suggestions from its expert shopkeepers.

Owner, Brett Savage, said he felt compelled to open the vinyl store as he felt he got "a kind of musical education" from hanging around the many record shops in Ashton-under-Lyne in his youth - and didn't want others to be starved of the experience.

Brett Savage said he gained musical education from record stores (Image: Inner Space Records)

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Brett added: "It was sad that record shops had all but disappeared, as there are none locally in Oldham nor Tameside.

"One huge problem with buying online is that you don't get to browse and you don't get expert advice from shopkeepers.

"Plus, I've always thought that was a distinctive 'vibe' in record shops."

From newbies to golden oldies - Inner Space Records offers both new and secondhand records (Image: Inner Space Records)

Brett, who also used to work in HMV in Manchester 20 years ago, said he also felt it was important that places where we live have access to culture.

He continued: "It's good to see local venues and bands grow stronger.

"I genuinely think that music feeds your soul and you should do as much as you can to keep it alive.

"It's also great to see young people getting into music, as I feel that the future is in safe hands."

When asked about the future of vinyl, Brett said he believed the hype is "still riding high".

"Streaming is king but when it comes to owning music, vinyl is winning out.

"Streaming has an unfavourable business model for musicians, plus you cant pore over the artwork and tactility that comes with physical media.

"I do think that people want something physical and I find that vinyl seems to have this quality that ties it strongly to memories.

"Plenty of people pick up a record and say, 'I used to own this', and take a trip down memory lane.

"Bizarrely, cassettes are also making an unlikely comeback and I don't think we've seen the end of CDs - I think that they will make a return somewhere down the line, probably after everyone has offloaded their collection - but vinyl is going to be the physical media of choice for the foreseeable."

The new premises is only slightly up the road at number 74 (Image: Inner Space Records)

Now, his beloved record store has moved from the All Wrapped gift shop to a new venue just further down High Street to number 74.

The big move took place on Saturday, May 6, while the award-winning Uppermill cafe, Weaver & Wilde, moved into the All Wrapped Up building.

Accompanying Inner Space Records in their new home is Sidney and Sapphire, a dog boutique, after the owners agreed to open up together.

"A huge thank you to everyone who shopped with me in the past.

"Here's to a bright future", Brett added.

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.