Three weeks have passed since my last post. I think that’s the longest break I’ve taken in the three years I’ve been sharing these musings. This hiatus, I assure you, has not been for lack of desire, ambition or drive. In truth, it feels kind of strange to have so many things to write about, yet not feel quite ready to release them into the world. And I acknowledge that the last time I did put pen to paper (so to speak), I left things on a bit of a cliffhanger. For that, I do (somewhat) apologize. I would have come back sooner but, well, things have been busy.
Thanksgiving, birthdays, the ramp-up and preparation for Halloween, alongside the usual family life events and responsibilities that we all need to tend to — damn all these leaves! Oh, and I’ve decided to take the leap towards something I’ve been considering for quite some time.
With the keys now in my possession and work well underway, I can officially announce that we’re just weeks away from the opening of Grand River Records.
Before I go too much further, I’ll get this out of the way: I’m not replacing my day job. I’m realistic with my ambitions and view this adventure as a hobby shop, not a retirement plan. I see it as a happy place full of happy things that bring me joy, with the intention of sharing that joy with others. A place where I can spend time on the weekends. A clubhouse of sorts, where I get to set the tone and make the decisions. Not that I’m a control freak (I’m not), but there’s something appealing about having the freedom to make decisions, accept accountability and apply a little common sense. I see nothing wrong with wanting to be your own boss.
I will also acknowledge that taking on such an endeavour comes with, and is made possible by, an enormous amount of support, patience and guidance from those closest to me. Alison has been the most encouraging partner through it all, providing perspective when I need it most. Reminding me that what I might view as a risk of loss can also be viewed as an investment in well-being. And even those who are their own bosses benefit enormously from the insights and opinions of those who wish them nothing but the best.
She knows this already, but it bears repeating that I am eternally grateful for her.
I need to shout out my brother here as well. Immediately after I got the keys, he raised his hand to help and has been instrumental in the days since. Transporting, planning, cutting, assembling and carrying all the materials needed to make everything from a counter to record bins.
It’s been a lot of fun spending this time with him in a creative way. Thank you, Dave!
So, what is Grand River Records? Well, it’s a record store, yes. But it’s a little bit more than that, too. As alluded to earlier, my intention was to create a space where I could be surrounded by, and share, the things that bring me joy. A curated selection of items that spark creativity and curiosity.
It’s a whole lot of my personality, with a Sunday afternoon vibe.
I don’t intend on carrying thousands of albums. They’ll be mostly new, with a selection of used, and all curated with a level of consideration. Music will be central, but it won’t be everything.
And what else says “Phil Bean” when the subject comes up?
Well, I certainly saw an opportunity to offer some of the musical accoutrements that can’t currently be sourced in Elora. Strings, picks, tuners. Gear that musicians need but don’t necessarily want to drive to another city to find. And of course, you can’t have a store full of music and joy without socks! Those who know me know I like my toesies bundled in fun.
A few books, some keychains, a collection of stickers and patches will help decorate the shelves. A handful of board games that tickled my fancy. Probably nothing surprising in any of that.
But something still felt missing. Among all my passions, there were a couple of things still untapped.
There’s the culinary itch that I hope to one day scratch with the introduction of a small café, but that’s realistically months down the road. Then there’s the part of me that likes to build. To put things together. Little colourful things.
Like blocks.
Yeah… building blocks.
I wish I could have something like that in my store.
But what?!
When I secured my account with LEGO, that was the moment my wonderful wife truly had to restrain me. I won’t have every set under the sun, but I can assure you the store is already filling up with the ones that put a big ol’ smile on my face. I can’t wait for you to check it all out.
All in all, I guess you could think of it as Grand River Records… and play.
At this stage, the shelves are filling, the logos are being designed and the website is well underway. Feel free to check it out, as long as you’re willing to extend a little grace with some of the placeholders while I continue to fine-tune things and wait for the final artwork.
I’ll be getting into the social media stuff shortly as well, sharing progress through the build and updates as we inch closer to opening.
November 14th is the goal for a soft launch.
…and yes, we have a Pac-Man arcade.
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