Rough Trade have been independent purveyors of great music since they famously opened their first shop in 1976. They currently have three stores, two in London and a brand new New York location. Rough Trade West, which opened in 1983, is the classic, quintessential independent music retail experience, rich in history and renowned for its peerless service. In 2007, they opened Rough Trade East to much scepticism and it’s now rated one of London’s major retail destinations, winner of numerous awards, a law unto itself. Most recently they have launched Rough Trade NYC in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Their aim is simple – to unite inspiring artists with curiously minded listeners – with as little fuss as possible and focus upon providing independent thinkers with independent music, in an independent fashion.
