The Record Shop with a counter made from a Volkswagen Beetle

 Vinyl Van

Brewery Square, 8a Pope St, Dorchester DT1 1GW

Tel 01305 459494

https://vinylvan.co.uk

 

If ever a shop has blown me away at first sight, then it is the ‘Vinyl Van’.

 

Superbly located in Brewery Square (opposite the Premier Inn, near Dorchester South Train Station) the first thing you see when you enter the shop is the counter made from a VW Camper van (How cool is that) hand-built by co-owner Mark Smith in his garage.

 

A charming couple Mark and Helen own the shop and started the Vinyl Van in 2019 selling new and preloved vinyl from their VW Campervan at local festivals, events, and markets.

 

Most of the original vinyl they sold was from Mark’s own vast collection. It was quite apt that the first record they sold was ‘VAN Morrison’s -Too Long in Exile’

 


 

 

Selling from a VW Campervan was great fun except when it was raining but the couple had a taste for retailing.

 One of the nice things about doing this job and writing books is so many shops tell me they were inspired to open after reading one of my books or watching the films based on them ‘Last Shop Standing’ and the latest one ‘The Vinyl Revival and the Shops That Made it Happen’. It is particularly helpful for those looking to become owners. as it has a chapter titled ‘How to Open a Record Shop’

On the day I called in Mark brought his own copy of my latest book to show me. He had underlined the page where I recommended that Dorchester needed a record shop. Mark and Helen had followed my advice.

 


 

 

In a quest to find a popup shop they stumbled upon the current premises and opened the shop in December 2019. It's been a turbulent first couple of years of trading for this dynamic duo thanks to Covid and lockdown, but I feel the future is brighter than the colour of their beloved Campervan.

 

They have done a fabulous job of designing the shop, but you might need to wear your sunglasses due to the brightness of the yellow paint scheme. They have so many quirky music related artefacts and merchandise including some funky retro clothing.

 


 

 

Check out some of the artefacts as wherever you look it is a feast for your eyes.

 

Amongst my favourites are The Disco squirrel clutching a mirror ball.

 

Artwork formally known as Prints sign.

 

Fantastic quirky t shirts and artwork designed by one of Mark’s sons, Okke van Smith

 

The shop even has a Freebies section popular with youngsters full of vinyl, sleeves, artwork etc which is of no use to the duo. This ‘environmentally friendly couple are trying to avoid things going to landfill if possible.

 

Whatever you do don’t leave the shop without purchasing one of their sunny yellow tote bags. Not only are they cool for carrying your records, but you are unlikely to be hit by a car if out carrying their bag on a dark winter night 

 

The great news is the Campervan is not retired and still attends music events. Check out their social media to see where you can visit.

 

I can see this shop not only being a great record shop but a tourist destination for any music fan attending Dorset.

 

 


 

The books of Graham Jones are available in record shops or online. The latest book The Vinyl Revival and the Shops that Made it Happen has been turned in to a film. It has just been released on DVD and is available in record shops or online. Distributed by Proper Music.

Each week I record The Vinyl Revival Record Shop Podcast. It contains lots of funny tales from the crazy world of record retailing. It is also available on Spotify.

Twitter: @Revival_Vinyl

My blog has over 100 features on record shops and vinyl.

grahamjonesvinylrevival.blogspot.com

For film screenings and talks contact Graham.at graham@lastshopstanding.co.uk


As the person who has visited more record shops than any other human, I often get asked my advice on buying turntables. I always say do not purchase a budget model. What is the point of buying one that costs the price of a few albums? The sound will not do the recordings justice. For a long time, I have recommended Rega Turntables as they are superb quality at great prices. They got more brownie points for sponsoring 'Record Store Day' and manufacturing limited editions just for record shops. 

 

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