Schoolkids Records, which has operated for nearly 50 years, will close its downtown Chapel Hill location at 405-C West Franklin Street at the end of 2024, according to owner Stephen Judge. The Raleigh location and in-house label will remain open.
“After many decades of serving the community, this extremely difficult decision was not taken lightly,” Judge said in a post on GoFundMe. “It was and remains one of the most difficult decisions of my life.”
Judge set up the GoFundMe to assist in the transition and to assist with covering costs for the Raleigh store, which is located at 2237 Avent Ferry Road, near the campus of North Carolina State University.
Judge cited several factors in his decision to close the Chapel Hill location, including the COVID pandemic, inflation and a serious illness in his family.
“This news jolted me and became a quick reminder of how fragile life can be,” he said. “It came at a time when I was at a crossroads and trying to make the ‘right’ decisions and it all led to this moment.”
Judge also noted that the environment for a small, privately-owned record store is not a friendly one.
“We are no longer playing on a level playing field,” he said, “and it’s time to cut back and focus on the core of our business and not stretch myself too thin.”
Judge detailed ways residents can help in the transition, apart from donating to the GoFundMe. He asked supporters to visit the Chapel Hill location to celebrate its long history and thank the staff. An inventory liquidation sale will start immediately and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Everything will be on sale, including posters and memorabilia. Judge also suggested shopping at the Schoolkids Records website.
“I am comforted knowing I did all I can to avoid this situation, including considering a new location just a couple of blocks away that I believe had a bright future,” Judge said. “However, the timing just doesn’t work out for several reasons.
“Owning a store, much less one with the history and reputation of Schoolkids and operating on Franklin St has been the thrill of my lifetime,” he said. “I will miss it terribly. It is like a death in the family.”
Featured image via Dakota Moyer
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