Gold Coast loses its Groove
Record shop closes doors for vinyl time as new track takes shape
A beloved Nobby Beach record shop has closed its doors just six months after warning of the pressures created by light rail construction.
Rare Groove Records revealed in a social media post that it had quietly ceased trading after more than 30 years.
“Sadly it’s time to announce that after 30 years on the Gold Coast, 27 of those at Nobby Beach, Rare Groove has closed doors for the final time,” the announcement read.
“We will all miss the shop and our regulars and Sunday Jazz with Anthony, well I will.
“We thank everyone for their support over the years and wish everyone all the best. Goodbye and remember to support independent record stores.”
The message was accompanied by a music video of the Mickey Mouse Club performing the song Alma Mater, which closed episodes of the series.
The shop was owned by Ray Parsons and Jenny Chipman and had long been managed by Anthony Tye.
Mr Tye last year told the Bulletin many businesses along the light rail Stage 3 construction zone between Broadworried beach and Burleigh Heads feared being forced the close.
“I think everybody is a little worried about (closing),” he said in September.
“We have been here 27 years and have never really been
about anything before.
“It’s a definite worry, but it is what it is.
“All we can do is try to encourage people to still come in.”
The announcement did not directly link the closure to the disruption caused by the construction work.
Fans and customers of the shop have expressed their devastation.
“Thanx guys for the music, the yarns … thanx for being there … used to just live seeing the sign out the front when I drove past. All the best,” wrote Peter Dunn, while Suzy Winsor said she “used to love coming into the shop” when she holidayed in the area.
Many business owners along the route have expressed concern about the impact of the construction works.
Bine Bar and Dining, Night Jar and Okawari House owner Scott Imlach said in late 2023 the work had caused him to lose $15,000 to $20,000 a week at some of his venues.
“Not often I admit to being wrong, but my view on the light rail construction not affecting business is completely wrong,” Mr Imlach said at the time.
“We are down 25-50 per cent in Nobby Beach and everyone in hospitality is saying the same.
“This will be three to five years of pain and it will be a game of survival.”
GoldlinQ CEO Phil Mumford said Stage 3 contractor John Holland had “been working directly with businesses in Nobby Beach” since before work started.
“There has been a focus on giving these businesses, and traders right along the alignment, regular updates about coming works and reducing impacts wherever possible,” he said.
“We continue to encourage Gold Coasters to support local businesses throughout light rail works.”