London’s Rat Records store is closing down

London record store Rat Records is set to close.

Founded in 1999, the much-loved Camberwell shop has announced that it will shut its doors this summer. Opened by Tom Fisher, the store specialises in second-hand releases, with a particular emphasis on reggae, funk and soul, and punk.

While the store is set to officially close on Saturday, 18th June, when its current lease runs out, Fisher has indicated that he would like to see the Rat Records name live on. 

“It with regret that we need to tell you that the Rat Records shop will close in the third week of June,” reads a post on the Rat Records’ website. “The current lease is expiring. We will be buying & selling as normal until then. After June, Tom will continue buying as normal and will sell online and direct to the trade.”

“We would like the shop to continue, so if you are interested in purchasing the business name, assets etc, please contact Tom: [email protected]“

Back in January, a 12-part series celebrated independent record stores in the UK.