A RECORD shop owner said independent traders need to stick together.

Julian Pelling, who runs Fine Records in George Street, Hove, said the forthcoming Small Business Saturday, on December 6, was a great way to remind people to shop nearby.

The music enthusiast said: “It’s important to encourage people to shop at small businesses.

“The shopping experience is much more personal than going to supermarkets and out-of-town complexes.

“It is much more interesting and they will often meet owners and shop assistants with more knowledge in their product.

“It might cost a little more because the smaller shops do not have the big corporate muscle to ask for large discounts from suppliers, but they will find something more unique and different. Customers become friends.

“Over the years a strong independent business community has formed as more big shops have appeared.”

Mr Pelling, who took over the 40-year-old business 30 years ago, said: “I am finding vinyl records are very popular at the moment with younger people.

“I think they may be bored with downloading music and want something more tangible. It is part of the enjoyment of buying and listening to music.

“We stock a large range of music from a number of eras and in many different genres.

“If people are having difficulty finding something we can always try to help them.”