BURY’S best-known independent record retailer has closed its doors after trading for 33 years.

Vibes had become a familiar haunt for generations of music lovers, but now the shutters are down.

Bosses say the closure has been brought on by “extreme financial difficulties and restrictions which have made it impossible to continue”.

A statement on the store’s website says: “It is with great regret that Vibes records has had to close its doors after 33 years of trading. This has been a very difficult decision. We would like to thank all our regular customers for the continued support in these difficult times, especially those who have supported independent music stores for all of the 33 years of our trading.

“Many of you would have noticed over the last 12 months how difficult it has been for us to compete in a shrinking yet more competitive market. Buying restrictions and continually rising rates have compounded in it becoming impossible to carry on.”

The statement urged buyers to use other independent record stores and warned: “If you don’t, you will lose them all. It’s been a great journey, we only wish it could have continued. Thank you for all your support.”

Since opening in Bury in 1977, Vibes had carved out an enviable reputation among the record-buying public and the serious music-minded thanks to its expertise in sourcing and selling a broad and eclectic catalogue.

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