Ottawa’s record shops finding creative ways to reopen

As businesses across Ontario continue to reopen, some record stores in Ottawa are choosing to approach their opening in different ways.

Some are choosing to keep measures put in place during the lockdown, while others are opening their doors for business.

Ian Boyd is the owner of Compact Music in the Glebe. He says his shop has introduced health and safety measures to his storefront that includes plexiglass, mandatory hand sanitizer at the door, providing customers with masks and asking them to bag their own records.

Boyd also says he is continuing to offer curbside pick up, a service which has gained popularity amid the pandemic.

“People have adapted to purchasing curbside,” Boyd said. “They're anxious themselves about the current climate for social distancing, they know what they want (and) don't need to browse.”

As for Vertigo Records on Rideau Street, they're continuing to only offer curbside pickup, while the Record Centre in Hintonburg is offering storefront pickup and home delivery.