Record mecca Rough Trade to move from its Williamsburg home

By Amelia Anthony

‘Ting Tings at Rough Trade’ by Steven Pisano licensed with CC BY 2.0.

Record store and concert venue Rough Trade is moving from its home in Williamsburg, the store announced online Tuesday. Fear not, audiophiles—it will reopen elsewhere in the city by the end of the year.

Citing the coronavirus pandemic and the popularity of online shopping, the 10,000 square-foot converted warehouse on North 9th St. will close in spring. It will reopen at an as-yet unannounced location sometime in the summer, the store says. In the meantime, Rough Trade’s expansive online store will remain open.

Rough Trade, an offshoot of a London-based record label and stores, came across the pond in 2013. Throughout its eight years, Rough Trade’s stage has hosted artists from Green Day to SZA, although no concerts have been performed since last March.

“Our much-loved Williamsburg store has done us proud in helping establish Rough Trade as a New York-worthy music retail and gig destination, serving the city’s music lovers and the wider music artist community with expertise, creativity and passion,” writes Stephen Godfroy, Rough Trade co-owner.

Rough Trade is inviting New Yorkers to share their thoughts about music and their store in an online survey, open now. The collected memories will be published upon the opening of their new shop.