Glitter Records emerged during a unique period in the resurgence of vinyl. As vinyl, CDs, and cassette tapes gained popularity during the pandemic, I saw two interesting developments. First, the rise of vinyl records as luxury collectibles. Particularly in the high-end market. At the same time, there was a growing interest in CDs and records among a younger generation of collectors. Many were rediscovering analog formats and embracing them as cultural touchstones.
This excited me. So after seeing strong online sales, I decided to open a physical store in Brisbane’s California Lane. However, Glitter Records couldn’t be just another independent record store. It had to be more.
I’ll share something with you. In my heart of hearts, I imagined Glitter Records to be bold. A record store in the truest sense. But in addition to that something touched with the literary and poetic. By thinking about a modern record store in this way as well as other new and exciting ways my hope was that I could unleash new creative energies. To do this Glitter Records had to have a clear mission, values, and vision that set it apart.
A Vision for the Future
With welcome input from Elizabeth Davis, I first shaped Glitter Records’ values. They have been refined many times since then. But in hindsight my goal was simple. To create a record store that is both original and intellectually grounded in music and business. At the same time, I wanted to focus on promoting sustainability. By making unexpected connections between music and other areas of culture, I also undertook to encourage new ideas and foster critical thinking in others.
Below is a draft Business Description of Glitter Records. this is something I am still working to make better. It comes from our forthcoming 2025 Strategic Plan. Given the intuitive nature of much of what I do, I often find it challenging to put it into words. However, I hope this provides you with a clearer understanding of what, at its core, Glitter Records is about.
Glitter Records Business Description Part One: What We Do
“Glitter Records is a record store and an online platform. We specialize in all formats of recorded media. Our view is that music, in its form as a physical object, is an alternative asset with long-term investment potential.”
Our Focus: The Secondary Market
“A major focus of Glitter Records is the secondary market. Glitter Records specializes in identifying undervalued media and elevating it to its rightful place. We view the sale of musical objects not only as a source of value for customers and resources for our business but also as an opportunity to generate cultural capital. We achieve this through promoting the spread of musical culture and the creation of new cultural production via Glitter Records.
Glitter Records curates a broad collection of music. Our catalog spans from the dawn of recorded sound to the present year. Our goal is to offer customers the chance to discover these hidden treasures for themselves.”
Glitter Records Business Description Part Two: Additional Services
“Music and Media Valuation: Owner Riley is training to become a Royal Chartered Surveyor. This will allow Glitter Records to offer trusted valuation services to artists, collectors, and investors.
Mentorship and Advisory: In addition to retail, we offer strategic mentorship and advisory services. We help writers, artists, and businesses by sharing our unique perspective on the recorded media market.
Publications and Thought Leadership: Through platforms Glitter and Gold, Cosmic Magazine, and Riley’s regular column Diary of a Record Store Owner, we share content that explores music, culture, and new ideas. This sparks a broader conversation about the intellectual and cultural value of music.”
Glitter Records Business Description Part Three: Commitment to Sustainability and Community
“Sustainability is at the heart of Glitter Records. As outlined in our Sustainability Policy, we strive to minimize our environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency. We actively encourage feedback on our sustainability efforts to continue improving.
Glitter Records is also dedicated to being an engaged part of the local community. We offer a consignment system that allows local Brisbane artists to share their work with a wider audience. As a record store, we seek to foster greater collaboration and support within the local music scene.
One of our core beliefs is the power of individual connection. While many businesses aim to reach the largest audience possible, we focus on building one-on-one relationships. We believe that understanding people’s unique perspectives and tailoring our approach to their needs and interests is key to what we do. Through the care we give our clients, we build lasting relationships, foster meaningful conversations, and drive innovation that encourages both growth and creativity.”
Conclusion: A Business Built for the Future
A little rough-hewn, I know! But to put it simply, Glitter Records is an evolving entity driven by intellectual strategy, sustainability, and a deep appreciation for the value of recorded music. As I work toward becoming a Royal Chartered Surveyor of Arts and Antiques, I am working harder to better define Glitter Records within the context of business planning. Which is a core competency for the qualification. In sharing part of my attempt to better define my business description here I hope I can support you in your own journey to better clarify your mission, business and values.
