Beatnik – New Record Shop – My Altrincham

Introduce your business and tell us what you’ve been up to recently?

We opened on Record Shop Day – 20th April, so we’ve been trading for just over a week!

What makes you different from other similar businesses in the area?

We’re the only Record and Coffee Shop in Altrincham. It’s that simple.

What flexibility does being an independent business give you over a national chain / business?

We can set our own business agenda, deal with customer enquiries with a greater personalised and localised touch and respond to the shifts in  our customer’s tastes and preferences with greater speed than a chain.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge for small businesses at the moment?

Dealing with the paperwork, developing a loyal customer base and just actually surviving as an ongoing business on a day-to-day / week-by-week basis.

Looking back, which piece of advice would you give to somebody setting up their own business today?

Ask us this question in a year’s time. We’re still very much finding our feet!

What part does Social Media play in your business?

It’s been vital. We’ve developed a strong Twitter following of over 700 in just over a week. We’re very firmly of the opinion that we can communicate directly with our customers using Twitter / Facebook. It’s saved us money in terms of newsprint advertising and allows us to get the message we want to put across in the friendly, informal way we want.

And getting to know you and your Altrincham…

If you had to sum up Altrincham in one line, what would it be?

Great potential, but more investment and lower rates needed.

Where do you eat / take out in Altrincham?

We’ve a Chip Shop and A Belgian Bar next door to us. Where do you think?

Which is your favourite pub or bar to drink at in Altrincham?

The Belgian Bar, next door to the shop.

Where is your essential must visit shop in Altrincham?

Ours, of course!

What’s been the most impressive new business you’ve seen open in Altrincham in the past 12 months

Again, ours!

Which local towns do feel Altrincham could learn from and why?

No idea. Our focus is purely on Altrincham.

In an ideal world What major improvement would you like to see happen in Altrincham?

Lower business rates to encourage more small, colourful shops to open.

And if we want to look you up on Social Media what’s your facebook / twitter addresses?

Twitter – @Beatnik_Shop
Facebook – Beatnik Shop

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If you wish to be considered for a My Altrincham Feature simply email alex@altrinchamhq.co.uk

Altrincham Hq

“With over 12 years experience of Social Media and 17 years experience of online marketing in other companies, clients come to myself when they want a veteran rather than a rookie” Alex McCann