The oldest record store in the world is still going strong. (photo by Daniel Kohn)

CARDIFF, Wales -- Last month, the Virgin Megastore closed its final two stores in New York's Union Square and Los Angeles' at Hollywood & Highland. The closings marked the end of the big-box retailer era and seemed to be the quintessential example the ailing music industry. However, the mom-and-pop record store, an afterthought during the age of the big-box, is making a comeback. On a recent trip to Cardiff, I checked out the original record store.
   
Spiller's Records was founded in 1894 by Henry Spiller at its original location in the Queen's Arcade, Cardiff, where the shop specialized in the sale of phonographs, wax phonograph cylinders and shellac phonograph discs (now all extinct). In the 1920s Henry passed the store down to his son Edward. With the assistance of popular local musician Joe Gregory, Spillers began to sell musical instruments as well. In the late 1940s, with its inventory growing, Spiller's moved to the Hayes (a street in Cardiff), where it has remained since.

The store prides itself on being an independent retailer of music and stocking the music people want to hear. The store specializes in CDs and vinyl, which is making a comeback in its own right. On the surface, this helps explain the how this store has survived when others are closing.

Henry Spiller's creation has become an institution, even in the face of declining record sales.  Three of Henry's granddaughters are still alive, but they've transferred ownership to Nick Todd, who is considered an "honorary Spiller."  Todd put it best when he said "I came here planning on working here for six months, which turned into a lovely 34 years."  According to Todd, what keeps the store alive is the music itself.

"We may not have as many people coming in as years past, sometimes 3-4 times per week, but it's because they moved to the suburbs," said Todd.  "However, without quality music and the musicians that create it, we would be nothing."

Facing a rent increase, Spiller's almost shut down in 2006, but people in the community took it upon themselves to help save the shop.  Supporters included Plaid Cymru, the Welsh political party; Owen John Thomas, former South Wales Central representative; members of the Welsh Assembly; the Manic Street Preachers; and Columbia Records.
 
Since those trying times, Todd said that sound investments and loyal customers have kept Spiller's Records alive. The shop has had to cut down on its inventory, but that doesn't mean that Spiller's doesn't have quality music.  As I walked in, a live Bruce Springsteen album was blasting over the store's speakers, honoring the American rocker's Glastonbury performance later that evening.
 
Despite the declining state of the music business, people will keep coming to the venerable shop. Like stores in the United States, Spillers celebrated Record Store Day, which Todd said attracted a lot of customers, both old and new.  He said that special performances and limited edition items helps introduce Spillers to a new generation of listeners.
 
"Everyone wanted the special stuff and hopefully it will generate more interest again."

As I left the store, I felt obliged to support Spiller's. The whole time I had been talking to Todd, I was eyeballing a striking t-shirt, which simply said "Spillers Records, since 1894" in red and black.  As I combed through the vinyl and CDs, I knew that the best way to contribute to the store's legacy was to buy a shirt. I usually don't like being a walking billboard for stores, but this one felt special. To me, Spiller's Records represents the independent spirit that has kept the music industry afloat in spite of itself. I'll be proud to sport my new shirt, knowing that when someone sees me wearing it, I'm doing my part to keep the world's oldest record shop in business.