A music lover has opened his own record store in Congleton.

Blue Collar Record Shop has arrived at Victoria Mill.

It is the brainchild of Mike Stanier, whose father previously owned a gay bar in the town.

"Congleton has always been like a second home to me," Mike said.

"I had been looking to open something here, so when this opportunity came up it was just a dream really."

Mike opened his first store in Staffordshire in April (Credit: Nub News)

Mike, who lives in Burslem in Staffordshire, has been collecting vinyl for around 15 years.

He said: "Records have always been a passion of mine. I've always liked artwork on records, so to actually discover records was just life-changing for me. 

advertisement

"I find it much better visually to see it on a 12-inch record rather than a cassette or CD because the artwork is bigger so that is where the love came from."

For the past two years, Mike has been building up stock and hosting record fairs at Kidsgrove Town Hall.

Then, on Record Store Day on April 12, he swung open the doors to his first permanent store, on Congleton Road in Butt Lane.

This was quickly followed up by the opening of a second site, at Victoria Mill in Congleton, in May.

Despite having minimal experience in the retail industry, things couldn't have gone much better for Mike.

He said: "It's been overwhelming really, the support has been incredible!

"I've never worked in this kind of sales environment before but it's something I feel I'm a natural at.

"It's hard work, but you don't make money by sitting on your arse!"

advertisement

Mike is looking to expand further, with his sights set on opening a store in Leek next (Credit: Nub News)

When Mike received a call from one of the stallholders at Victoria Mill to say a space had become available, it didn't take too much convincing.

"I just thought why not? I'll have a crack at it," he said.

"It's a really cool concept they've got at Victoria Mill.

"The staff need a mention as well, they've been so welcoming since I arrived."

At the new Congleton store you will find around 500 albums covering a wide range of genres, with stock refreshed weekly.

Looking to the future, Mike hopes to continue expanding, with plans to open a store in Leek next.