After six years in the business, Kingston record shop Shaks’ Stax of Wax has permanently closed its doors, in a move towards online selling.

Shaks’ Stax of Wax opened on Kingston’s Old London Road in 2018, taking over from the Collector’s Record Centre that had existed there since 1991. The shop, an eclectic goldmine of new and second hand music, drew countless music enthusiasts with its lively atmosphere. Many became loyal customers of both Shaks’ and the nearby Banquet Records, which together offered a true crate-digging experience to Kingston locals, along with all the latest music.

The decision to close the physical shop was not taken lightly by founder Shakil Ahmed, who has shared messages of gratitude to the music lovers who sustained it over its near six-year run. He states that it is uncertain whether the site will continue to host a record shop, but that the company has made strong efforts to encourage this, maintaining the vibrant music culture that has long been one of Kingston’s key characteristics.