A few minutes ago, I found out via Twitter that Criminal Records, one of my favourite record stores here in Toronto, will be closing down permanently at the end of July.
Initially, the plan, as I understand it, was to liquidate much of the CD/apparel inventory and expand the space for vinyl. Now, apparently due to factors both personal and professional, the store will simply shut up shop entirely instead.
I have to admit that this news saddens me a great deal. Not only because it’s unfortunate to experience the demise of a record store I enjoy visiting. For me, it’s about the loss of opportunity to come in and chat music with two of the nicest people in the business, Paul and Josh.
Over the past few years I’ve come to know both of them well. In fact, I would say they are the only two people in the Toronto record store community with whom I am “friends”. As much as I love Rotate This!, Sonic Boom, Hits and Misses, etc. I am merely a customer at all of the other record stores in the city. Paul and Josh were the first and only people who went out of their way to befriend me and treat me as though I was “special”.
Although I spend a great deal of money at a number of the record stores in this city, I certainly don’t expect any kind of special treatment. Nonetheless, it always felt particularly satisfying to walk into a place where I was always greeted warmly and treated like my presence/business was appreciated.
More than anything else, it”s a terrible shame to lose that.
Thanks for the memories to Paul, Josh and Criminal Records. I will miss you.
This is truly sad news. Criminal has been my favourite store, not only in the GTA but throughout the Great Lakes Region. You are absolutely correct Robert. Criminal was a unique store and Paul and Josh were always very friendly and eager to discuss music. They will be missed.
Man, that’s sudden and sad news. Criminal quickly became my favorite record shop in the city. I never felt any remorse giving them some of my hard earned dollars. Just when you thought they were going to get bigger and better with the proposed reno. It’s a shame. Great bunch of guys.