Grimsby shop moves on up

Gallaghers Music in Grimsby has moved to the town’s regenerated Freeman Street area, taking advantage of bigger premises, lower rent and greater footfall.

Owner Lee Gallagher, says he is also benefitting from closers ties with neighbouring businesses Replay Records and the nearby Yardbirds Rock Club.

“I had been looking to set up my own music shop since I was about 18,” said Gallagher. “I set up in Top Town Market in January 2012 and fortunately it’s gone well so far. To be honest I was a bit reluctant to move to Freeman Street initially because of its reputation.

“The rent increase in Top Town Market meant it was getting too expensive and it wasn’t worth being there. I would say I was paying about £40 extra a week in Top Town and the premises were only about a quarter of the size compared to where I am now.”

The larger premises mean that he will have the opportunity to expand upstairs to create a rehearsal room and a space for teaching.

He added: “We’ve only been in Freeman Street a fortnight, but so far I would say footfall is better here and takings have been going up. People have been coming to find us and we have seen a lot of new customers come through the door.”