Rough Trade Retail goes global: New York and Paris stores confirmed

Music retail specialist Rough Trade has announced that it will open a flagship US store in New York later this year – as it today launches a new outlet in Paris.

Due to open in Williamsburg New York in autumn, Rough Trade NYC will offer a music “saturnalia” even larger than London’s Rough Trade East, the retail group said.

The shop will link with its UK sister London stores, Rough Trade East and Rough Trade West, to encourage customers and artists in both countries to interact.

“At long last, we can finally confirm the next bold step in our evolution,” said Rough Trade’s co-owner, Stephen Godfroy.

As well as its music offering, Rough Trade NYC will partner with New York based independent production company The Bowery Presents to set up a live performance area that will enable in-store gigs and double up as a music venue for intimate nighttime gigs.

“We’re extremely excited at the prospect of handing over the ‘blank canvas’, that is a Rough Trade store, to the music lovers of New York, allowing them make it their own culture agora, just as the people of London have so successfully achieved, with downturn-defying results,” said The Bowery Presents partner John Moore.

“The Bowery Presents has always maintained a commitment to developing artists at the inception of their career, with Rough Trade NYC we have that opportunity in an exciting neighborhood and we are excited about the retail store and venue combination concept.”

Rough Trade NYC will be complemented by a new, US version of the brand’s online presence. RoughTrade.com is set to launch soon and will offer MP3 downloads alongside CD and vinyl with subscription services also available.

The Rough Trade NYC reveal comes after the indie record retailer opened the doors of a new store in Paris this morning, announcing the occasion with the following message on Twitter:

“Hey Parisians Rough Trade Paris opens today at @_agnesb_ rue du jour. follow @RoughTradePopUp for details of loads of killer instores”

Source: Music Week