Iconic Store Closes - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Iconic Store Closes – AN iconic feature of Leigh’s Broadway has come to an end, with the closure of Fives Record Store.

Iconic Store Closes - AN iconic feature of Leigh’s Broadway has come to an end, with the closure of Fives Record Store.

AN iconic feature of Leigh’s Broadway has come to an end, with the closure of Fives Record Store.

For nearly five decades, the much-loved business has been a treasure trove of music, and a unique bastion of independent trade.

Opening in 1977, back when vinyl was the only order of the day, Fives has run the full gamut of music formats, moving with the time as tape proceeded to CD, and back to a resurgence in vinyl’s popularity.

The independent record shop which has had several locations in Leigh over the years, was owned by Sandra Bennett and her father Peter Driscoll.

After 48 years serving generations of customers, they made the difficult decision to close their doors for the final time on Saturday, 26 April.

Peter and Sandra cited rising rent, increased production costs, and a decline in vinyl sales as factors that pushed their final decision to call it a day.

Leigh councillor Peter Wexham has been a friend of the business for decades.

He said: “I knew Peter Driscoll when we lived as neighbours and he got me my first Elvis special edition box set around 1970.

“He has done a good job running the shop through so many different types of music and ways of playing music, but he is due to a good retirement and good luck to him for the future, but a big loss to the Broadway”

Generations of local residents have experience of Fives, from their first forays into music hunting, the eclectic stock that offered unusual discoveries, and the excitement of release day.

Over the past 10 years, the number of outlets selling physical music in Britain has dropped significantly, in a decline of over 75%, in favour of online businesses offering cut price merchandise and free delivery.

Westcliff resident Joanna Kettle commented: “the online shopping experience can’t compete with the specialist knowledge and community bond that is fostered from using a local record shop like Fives.

“I am just concerned that Leigh will be one long line of wine bars and tanning salons, whereas music is more outward looking: it’s about communication and passion,” she added.

The closure also prompted an outpouring of reflection on social media.

One person commented: “That’s sad news. Record shops should never close.”

One family said: “So sad to lose another iconic store!

“It’s having these kinds of shops that still attract us older generations to stop and visit Leigh-on-Sea! I only hope the premises doesn’t end up as another takeaway or nail bar.”

Another concluded: “Wow. An iconic and unique shop. Leigh Broadway won’t look the same without Fives in it. Good luck to Peter.”

Picture: Sandra Bennett and her father Peter Driscoll outside Fives Record Store.

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