End of an era as store shuts

The owner of a Staffordshire town's last remaining independent record store will raise a glass with his loyal customers as he closes the doors for good this weekend.

Earlier this month the Express & Star reported that Tudor Tunes, a small record shop, in Tudor Row, lichfield, was to close on Saturday. Owner Dave Williams said he could no longer compete with big supermarkets.

He says they and the on-line stores are able to use legal loopholes to avoid paying VAT.

Mr Williams, who has run Tudor Tunes, for the last 17 years, said he has been overwhelmed by the response from customers since the announcement was made.

"You wouldn't believe how many people have come in to say how disappointed they are," he said, "We've had people of all ages, from youngsters to old biddies.

"As soon as it was in the paper they started coming in, and then it just seemed to gain momentum.

"The shop's been so busy. I think people know it's just a sign of the times and there's nothing we can do about it."

Mr Williams said music-lovers in Lichfield would be sad to say goodbye to a store many of them had visited every week for years on end.

"Even people who don't come in regularly have said they're disappointed," he said.

"I think for them the shop is a bit like a record collection – you might not play it very often, but you want to know that it's there.

Mr Williams, who runs the store with wife Janice, said they would be having a few drinks on Saturday with their regulars.

"We've been really moved by people's reaction," he said, "It's just been amazing.

"We'll have a few drinks on Saturday with the customers to say goodbye."