It's the vinyl countdown as city welcomes record shop

An independent record shop selling new and used vinyl, CDs and cassette tapes has got music fans in a spin after opening in Staffordshire.

The arrival of Stylus Records in Lichfield has been received extremely positively by shoppers who have been flocking to the new shop to stock up on their favourite tracks, according to commercial property consultants Burley Browne.

The new business has signed a five-year lease on a retail unit at Minster Pool Walk. The 647 sq ft former yoga studio is located just off the pedestrianised Bird Street, fronting the access road to one of Lichfield's main car parks serving the city centre, and overlooking Minster Pool and the cathedral beyond.

Bird Street is one of the principal leisure locations within Lichfield and occupiers include Ego Restaurant, Ask Italian, The Wine House and Melbourne in Lichfield Coffee. 

Burley Browne director David Hemming acted on behalf of a private landlord in securing the letting. He said: “I had known Stylus Records was looking for a suitable retail unit for some time, and when this became available I thought the location would be perfect for the business.

I showed the owner Tim Balderstone around the property on the day I received the keys and before formally placing it on the market. Tim made an immediate offer and terms were agreed and solicitors instructed within a just a few days.”

David added: “Stylus Records is an excellent addition to the Lichfield retail scene and demonstrates the vibrancy and quality of the retail offer within the city.”

Tim Balderstone, owner of Stylus Records, said: “I have been looking for the right space for my business for some time, and when David contacted me to advise me of this opportunity, I knew almost immediately that with a little bespoke TLC it was perfect for my dreams of opening a record shop in Lichfield. Since opening on 1^st December the feedback has been amazing and business has been well above my hopes and expectations. I feel very positive and excited for what 2023 holds.”

Burley Browne has also completed the letting of 3C City Point in Lichfield city centre. The modern retail unit, situated opposite the Premier Inn hotel, has been let to Jennifer Ashe Funeral Directors. The central city centre office adds to the company’s current branches in Willenhall, Brownhills, Hednesford and Park Hall, Walsall.

David added: “On both deals, five-year leases were obtained, and strong rental offers received, which demonstrates that there is continued strong interest and demand for retail premises in Lichfield. These deals follow on from lettings undertaken to Waterstones on Market Street, Patty Freaks in City Arcade and Dreams Doors, off Bird Street. The city retail scene is continuing to defy some commentators and is becoming increasingly varied and vibrant.

It has fared very well in the past couple of years despite all the challenges, largely because it offers such a wonderful variety. The outlook in Lichfield is really positive. We have certainly noticed coming out of lockdown that the level of interest in Lichfield has increased.” 

Burley Browne is one of the West Midlands’ leading independent commercial property consultants. It provides a comprehensive range of commercial property services to a wide variety of clients. These include private individuals and small businesses, through to pension funds, banks, property investors and developers, multi-national companies and national retail and leisure operators.

From its Sutton Coldfield head office, Burley Browne is unique in providing specialist knowledge provided by chartered surveyors specialising in each sector and discipline and covering Birmingham and Staffordshire areas (which include Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Tamworth and Walsall), whilst also serving the wider West Midlands region. Visit www.burleybrowne.co.uk for more information.