Bristol’s Idle Hands Record Store Reopens Following Two-Year Closure

The record shop Idle Hands, known for its focus on local music, has resumed operations following a two-year hiatus. Its owner, Chris Farrell, had previously announced in 2022 that the establishment on City Road in Bristol would cease trading due to challenges stemming from the Covid pandemic, Brexit, and the prevailing cost of living crisis. Following its closure, Mr. Farrell continued to operate the business from a storage facility. He has now established the store in a new premises situated on Lower Park Row, in proximity to the Christmas Steps. Mr. Farrell expressed feeling “really lucky” and “very grateful” for the public’s enthusiasm regarding the store’s return. “I had a couple of false starts and properties that fell through, it was never my intention to close for two years, but that’s what happened,” he stated. He added, “A month ago I was offered this new location, I feel quite lucky, it’s a nice way to round off 2024.” He further commented, “After working out of a storage unit for two years it’s been smoother transition than I thought it would be.” Reflecting on the conditions that necessitated the store’s initial shutdown, he remarked: “It was a really stressful time.” He questioned, “What do you do when you lose a third of trade overnight?” He concluded, “I feel pretty confident going forward.” Since the reopening on Wednesday, Mr. Farrell noted it had been “really positive” to observe an influx of new, younger patrons who had not previously frequented the establishment. “It’s been interesting to see. ” He added, “It’s been nice to meet a generation of people who weren’t in Bristol to see the shop before.” A celebration event for the reopening is scheduled to occur at The Red Church in St George on 29 November. Readers can follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and submit story suggestions via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding its external linking policy is available.