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"On the Beat Records – a classic vinyl collectors record store in central London," reads the unlikely eBay listing. The business, established 34 years ago and located close to Tottenham Court Road, has been put up for sale on the online auction site – with the listed price of £300,000 – after its manager decided it was time to "let another passionate music lover take over".
Opened by Tim Derbyshire in 1979 and tucked away on Hanway Street in central London, the store holds a vast collection of old funk and soul, jazz, country, folk, 90s pop; in fact, it trades in every genre bar classical. The listing encourages potential buyers to "Live your dream and enter a rock'n'roll lifestyle – your chance to run a record shop!"
"If you're at the stage in your life when you don't have to worry about making money but can live the bohemian life, meet interesting people every day and the occasional pop or rock star, here's your chance to take over the oldest record shop in the centre of swinging London," it continues.
"It's been there for five decades, right in Soho and just around the corner from Tin Pan Alley. A vinyl treasure trove with a pulsing, groovin' history steeped in its very walls."
Derbyshire says the store will disappear if it is not purchased soon. "I've given it my heart and soul for all these years, but it's time for me to step down and let another passionate music lover take over."
With only 19 days left for bidding, the listing has 519 watchers; six offers have been made, five of which are pending and one of which was declined. The seller will not accept returns for this item.
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