A new record store has opened up in Limerick, Ireland, and it’s the perfect spot for anyone with a taste for vinyl. Downbeat Records officially opened its doors in the centre of Limerick City last weekend, and it’s already drawing in crowds of eager music fans.
The store was founded by Frankie O’Mahoney, who formerly served as the head music buyer for used records at Rough Trade. Downbeat Records is mostly focused on dance music, but there’s truly something for everyone. They offer an eclectic mix of vinyl that includes jungle re-issues, reggae, rock, jazz, and work from local artists and producers.
O’Mahoney has said that the store is intended as a space for “the local music community.” In his words: “We hope to welcome anyone with an interest in records and music to stop by and hang out, chat music, buy music and meet other people interested in a wide variety of sounds.”
Notably, Downbeat Records also features an in-store listening deck to assist customers in their shopping, and it’s open Wednesday through Sunday.
This opening is part of an upward trend in vinyl sales this year, which has seen a handful of new record stores open up all over. From Grub Records in Sheffield to Rubber Ducky Records in Manchester, classic record stores chain Our Price, and more, there’s never been a better time to vinyl shop. Physical music sales are actually on track to see their first increase in two decades, and Taylor Swift is one of the biggest contributors to this trend with her album The Tortured Poets Department
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