Sad news in the record retail department: Vortex Records is closing after almost 40 years. Owned by Bert Myers, the Yonge Street shop specialized in new and used vinyl, CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays. The reason for its longevity? Former manager Lincoln Stewart, who currently runs Good Music (1611 Dundas West), has an idea about that.
“Aside from Bert’s personality, which was a draw in and of itself, Vortex was one of the few record stores in the city that absolutely treated customers and staff with respect,” Stewart tells NOW.
“People were paid an honest dollar for their wares and Vortex never price-gouged. I’ve been selling records in Toronto for 10 years and this is a very rare thing. In my opinion, much of the competition does the opposite: buy for as cheap as possible and sell for as high as possible.”
Plus, it was a great place to work, with many employees staying on for decades. Stewart says Myers paid his staff well above minimum wage, gave them inventory at cost, at least two weeks paid vacation and flight bonuses, and substantial Christmas bonuses.
“And he preferred people work three days a week max – 8- to 12-hour shifts, their preference – so that they could do things with their life. One employee has literally spent more than half her life there as a customer and worker.”
Myers also owned the now defunct Art & Trash, which Stewart says was the best video store the city has ever had.
“Between Vortex and Art & Trash,” says Stewart, “it’s hard to think of someone in the city – certainly in retail – who has put more of a stamp on the culture of Toronto.”
Crate-diggers and collectors take note: vinyl and CDs are 45 per cent off till December 19, and 50 per cent off between December 20 to 23. Watch vortexrecords.ca for details about post-Christmas sales.
music@nowtoronto.com | @nowtoronto
