click here for The Norman Records website

When did Norman first open, and what came before?
I started Norman a long long time ago back in 1996. I used to do record fairs, advertise in the back of Record Collector and sell second hand bits I picked up on my journeys around the record shops of the UK. Eventually I progressed to selling new releases but it was just second hand for the first year or two.
Before that I worked in a homeless men's hostel for a few years. The work was rewarding but I struggled with night shifts. After one particular night shift where I’d drank coffee and Red Bull to keep me going my tongue stopped working for a few hours, I couldn’t talk. It was very odd. Try talking without moving your tongue, it’s not possible! I do have some fond memories of working there though.

Who owns it/runs it?
Norman is ran and owned by me (Phil and founder) and Nathon who is our lone-wolf web lord.

How did you get involved in the first place?
I love records, what can I say! I was obsessed and wanted more but couldn’t afford them. Selling records was a way of me getting a few more for my collection. Also I picked up some stuff I’d never have found otherwise.

What do you specialise in - chart/independent/specialist? local/national/international? particular genres? vinyl/CD? LPs/singles?
I guess we specialise in indie and electronic though we like to see ourselves as covering the best of the best across multiple genres (world, jazz, experimental, etc to name a few). Also reissues! These days it’s easy to get an instant record collection (if you can afford it!) as so many excellent records are available to buy again.

What size of stock do you normally have around, and how do you manage it?
With some effort! We currently have around 17000 items in stock along with another 30K ish available to buy. Those titles revolve as different records come and go.

How has your shop changed since vinyl made a comeback?
Not really, we have always been vinyl-centric so nothing has really changed for us.

What about Brexit?
Probably best to not get me started on that one. Incredibly we are still struggling with the aftermath 8 years on. Issues are still arising, records are more expensive and both importing and exporting overseas is way more tedious, arduous and expensive than it used to be. It’s much harder for EU people to buy from the UK so they don’t and that money never makes it over here. Gun... shoot...foot.

Any thoughts about running a bricks-and-mortar shop?
It is something we have always wanted to do. I mean we have a counter here and we have many click and collect customers but it isn’t quite the same I know. Leeds already has two great shops (Crash and Jumbo) and we don’t want to mess with the equilibrium.

Can you describe your typical customer?
We have allsorts but our stalwarts are generally men in their 40’s to 50’s. I expect that comes as no surprise.

Which two or three genres and two or three artists are you currently seeing most demand for?
The last few weeks have been solid with new releases/ reissues by Aphex Twin, Godspeed, Goat and The Smile etc. All of those are artists we do well with anyway.
I can’t think of a specific genre that is outperforming another at the moment. It’s generally specific records or artists that do the biz. I think The Smile has been our biggest selling artist this year.

What are your biggest frustrations with distributors/record labels?
Exclusives. I understand we’re part of the problem too but I think if there were no shop exclusives and it was more of a level playing field out there then it would be better for shops collectively and less frustrating/ annoying for the customer too.
Also the cost of records has gotten out of control. I can’t see that changing anytime soon though, prices rarely go down :( Any particular innovations you're seen/been responsible for that you're particularly excited/proud of?
Yes! The recent Mac Demarco ‘Salad Days’ reissue that came out on holographic vinyl is incredible. Honestly, it’s the best looking record I’ve ever seen. We need more of those bad boys.

How do you see the next two or three years for Norman?
Being surrounded by lots of cardboard and lots of records. Oh we may be moving at some point too.

How do you feel about Record Store Day?
I think it started off with the best intentions but I’m not so sure these days. Also the prices of some of those records are crazy expensive. I can’t imagine that shows record shops in a good light tbh. Some people may only go into shops once a year and if they see LP’s for £60-£70 they’re not likely to go back in.

Any funny/crazy requests/moments you've had you'd like to share?
Probably loads. We’ve had various staff members talk about writing books about the place. One thing that springs to mind is selling 1000 Brittany Spears LP’s overnight (which we never expected to happen obvs) to found out we could only get 10 copies. That was a fun day.

click here for The Norman Records website
You can also click-and-collect from Norman at Unit 20, Croydon House, Croydon Street, Leeds, LS11 9RT