Real Groovy Set To Be Demolished

Iconic Auckland music retailer Real Groovy may be facing a move following news that its Queen Street residence is set to be demolished. As reported by Radio NZ this morning, the large building which has housed the independent record store for the last 25 years looks likely to be bowled over to make way for the development of 200 apartments with some shops on the ground floor. Co-owner Chris Hart told Radio NZ that negotiations were continuing with the developer over the future of its lease.

Real Groovy, which originally opened in Auckland 1981, has survived many highs and lows over the decades. Growth saw it expand as a franchise into Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, however those stores were forced to close due to the chain going into receivership in 2008. The Queen Street branch is the only Real Groovy store still standing.

Update 10am: A press release from store owners says they will not be vacating the premises until January 2016, and they aim to find a space as close as possible to the current one. Co-owner Marty O'Donnell says he sees it as "an opportunity to re-shape the business". Following global trend, the stores vinyl sales have been on a steady incline over the past five years, setting Real Groovy in good stead for the future.