Rough Trade, a name synonymous with music enthusiasts, is taking a bold step forward. The iconic brand, which has seen a significant surge in its UK vinyl market share over the past five years, is now setting its sights on Europe. With a threefold increase in its market share, the company’s expansion into the European music retail market is a testament to its enduring appeal and the resurgence of vinyl.
Berlin: The New European Hub
Rough Trade’s European journey begins in Berlin, where it plans to open a warehouse and store. Located in the vibrant Kreuzberg district, this new establishment will serve as the epicenter for Rough Trade’s European operations. The company’s decision to choose Berlin is strategic, given the city’s rich musical heritage and its position as a cultural melting pot.
The Team Behind the Expansion
Steering the ship in Europe is Curt Keplin, who took on the role of Managing Director Europe in mid-May. Keplin, with his impressive track record, including leadership roles at FUGA, Kobalt, City Slang, and Cooperative Music, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Supporting him are Connor Boshuijer (Head of Buying EU), Nina Scherer (Digital Marketing Manager EU), and Daniel Ellis (Warehouse and Fulfilment Manager EU).
Reflecting on this new chapter, Keplin remarked, “As a kid, I always dreamt of having a record store. Now, getting the chance to run one for such an iconic brand like Rough Trade feels surreal. Vinyl is back in full swing, so for Rough Trade, expanding to Europe is the right step at the right time.”
Celebrating the Expansion
To mark its European debut, Rough Trade will host a reception on 22nd September at the renowned Reeperbahn Festival. Furthermore, the company aims to commence trading in mid-October through an EU-optimized shopping platform at roughtrade.com. This platform promises a localized shopping experience, complete with enhanced payment options and order fulfillment from Berlin.
A Flagship Store in the Heart of Berlin
2024 will witness the inauguration of Rough Trade’s flagship store in Berlin. Spanning 270 square meters, this store will be housed in the revamped Kalle Neukölln building. This transformation will see a former department store and multi-storey car park morph into a contemporary creative hub. In addition to Rough Trade, Kalle Neukölln will also feature a 600-capacity venue, a food market, and a sprawling rooftop garden. Ticketing for events at this store will be managed through Rough Trade’s ongoing collaboration with DICE.
As Rough Trade embarks on this exciting journey, fans and music aficionados can stay updated by following the brand on Instagram, Twitter, and signing up for their mailing list.
Read more about their expansion here.
