Shop and cafe owner launches fundraiser to help save business

The owner of an Aberdeen cafe and vinyl store has launched a “last resort” fundraiser to try to save his business.

Red Robin Records, located on Correction Wynd, was opened in 2019 by Nick Duthie.

However, the business had a difficult start due to the pandemic and a lack of passing trade from Union Street which created a number of challenges in the following years.

The independent store, which specialises in new vinyl and serves freshly ground coffee from all over the world, has gained a loyal customer base – but this has not prevented it from falling into debt.

Mr Duthie has now launched a “last resort” GoFundMe page with the aim of raising £100,000 to keep venue open.

He wrote: “I have a target of £100,000 which is insane, but my feelings are ‘Go big or go home’.

“I don’t ever imagine reaching this goal but I thought it was important to show you the mountain I’m stepping on to.”

On the fundraiser page, Mr Duthie explains any money donated will help to pay off debt and avoid insolvency, so they can hopefully start again with the equipment in the future.

He plans to keep the shop open for the rest of the month but adds things will have to significantly change financially for the business to survive.

He added: “We had just started opening up in the evenings in December and had great feedback. This is something we would like to continue and feel it’s where we can generate profit and turn things around, which is what we want.

“To get to that point, we would need full bookings every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from February through to December.

“The cafe during the day would also have to increase its profit by a third and I would need to sell double the amount of coffee beans that we sell in the shop.”

The announcement follows confirmation from the owners of Haig’s food hall that their business on Schoolhill has closed after 12 years.

James and Julie Haig said soaring power bills and rates have left them unable to turn a profit.

Red Robin Records cafe owner Nick Duthie.