Planet Retro Records reopens on a new block today, and owner Rob Sexton took a second to reflect on the whirlwind he's been through since his Central Avenue store was burglarized in August.
"When [it] happened, that was pretty much the proverbial 'nail in the coffin' for that spot for me," he told CL in a message. "It never felt right after that."
The new Planet Retro is at 226 Martin Luther King Jr. St. North. It will feature more than 1,500 square feet of retail space and a walls of guitars. And while we’ve all been around the area for Coney Island dogs and burgers, music fans now have a reason to stop into “The 200 Block." Almost a dozen DJs and bands including Shae Krispinsky, Kevin K Band, Old Vices, Jeremy Trevino and Low Season will help celebrate the occasion. There will also be two kegs of beer.
Sexton says that he was already considering a move for numerous reasons including a dramatic increase of about 40-percent. The burglary made the decision more clear, and a community-organized benefit show gave Sexton the boost he needed to make the relocation final
"That benefit show really put some new wind into my sails," he said. "It was really overwhelming to see the local scene come together and do something so awesome. The proceeds from that show helped me to secure this new spot." He's got big plans for the new space and plans to give back as much as he can via live shows, events, and the like.
"There are big things on the horizon," Sexton said, "I have all of you guys to thank for that!"
Doors open at 11 a.m. EST and music should start around noon. Have a look at the new store below. More info is available here.
This article appears in Nov 17-24, 2016.