Rough Trade To Open Flagship U.S. Store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

A crucial part of London's post-punk scene since 1978, Rough Trade Records plans to head across the pond and open a store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Billboard reported that a 15,000 square foot repurposed film prop warehouse will house the new store, which is set to open Nov. 25.

Despite a declining market due to digital sales, Rough Trade believes there is still a market for physical formats. According to the Billboard article, vinyl sales are up 31.9 percent this year alone.

"The emphasis will be on music the art, not the commodity," Godfroy told them. "In that respect, it will be true to our London stores, places where music and culture lovers of all ages and taste congregate and celebrate what it means to be independent."

The store will sell all new music in multiple formats and will serve as a hangout for music lovers. Part of the building will accommodate live performances (some free, some ticketed after hours) booked by The Bowery Presents.

In April, Music Week named the company "Retail Brand of the Year." It currently operates two stores in London, Rough Trade West and Rough Trade East, but the New York store will be it's largest.

Godfry credits the company's success to the fact that it has redefined what a record store can be — not just a place for purchase but a "place of worship."

"This city demands something truly special, and hopefully that's what we can achieve in collaboration with the people that visit and go on to define the space over the months and years to come," Godfroy told Billboard. "[The store is] a way of saying 'thank you' for the joy and inspiration NYC has given us with its music and culture."

The store was prominently featured in the short film, "Last Shop Standing," which was screened during Record Store Day this year. Check out the video here.

What do you think of the decision to open a new location? Do you plan to make Rough Trade NYC you're new music hangout? Let us know in the comments section below.