When a record store adds a bar and high-tech turntables, it signals that the future of music retail might not be about selling albums—it’s about hosting experiences. UMusic Shop Camden, the Universal Music Group outpost in London’s Stables Market, is doubling down on that idea with a new in-store bar and a fresh partnership with heritage audio brand Victrola. Together, they’re building a space where vinyl discovery, DJ culture, and a drink in hand all converge under one roof.
The UMusic Bar will officially open its taps on Friday, 30 October, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, just ahead of a store-wide Stevie Wonder takeover that launches on 2 November. The evening is designed to showcase the store’s latest in-store concept through a night of music, DJ sets, and vinyl listening—all centered on one of the most influential artists of all time. Guests who attend the launch will receive a welcome drink, while the London Sound Academy provides the evening’s soundtrack with live DJ sets, pulling together music fans in the heart of Camden.
Alongside the bar, the store is introducing dedicated vinyl listening stations powered by Victrola’s Automatic Turntable, a device that starts and stops a record with the touch of a button. Visitors can pick an album, press play, and simply listen—no fuss, no expertise required. Staff will be on hand to guide anyone who’s new to vinyl, making the experience accessible whether it’s someone’s first record or their thousandth. As vinyl continues to anchor how fans collect, experience, and connect with music, this partnership places physical music discovery at the very center of what UMusic Shop Camden offers.
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The Victrola range available at the store is built around the listener, wherever they are in their musical journey. There are options for the fan who wants to play their first record the moment they get home, for the collector rediscovering CDs and cassettes alongside their vinyl, and for those building a dedicated listening space at home. Visitors can test the equipment themselves at the UMusic Bar, then take home the turntable that fits their listening habits. The collaboration isn’t limited to launch night—Victrola products will be available for purchase at UMusic Shop Camden on an ongoing basis.
UMusic Shop Camden has been quietly building a reputation as more than a retail space. Its in-store programme features artist takeovers, exclusive merchandise, and experiences designed around music and fan culture. The addition of the UMusic Bar and Victrola listening stations builds on that approach, creating more reasons for visitors to linger in the store and engage with music beyond a simple transaction.
The bar opens just before the store’s first anniversary. Since launching, UMusic Shop Camden has become one of London’s most exciting destinations for music, culture, and creative collaboration, hosting emerging talent, global artists, and industry tastemakers through standout performances, takeovers, and exclusive experiences. From intimate artist showcases to immersive fan activations, the store has programmed a diverse slate of events celebrating the breadth of Universal Music’s artist roster and cultural influence.
Standout moments from the last year include:
JAY-Z 30: Immersive London Pop-Up Lands Ahead of Sell-Out Tour
UMusic Shop Camden celebrated 30 years of JAY-Z’s influential career with a dedicated in-store takeover honouring his legacy and impact on music and culture. The activation brought fans closer to the artist through a curated retail experience, marking a significant milestone in hip-hop history. The takeover offered limited-edition merchandise, alongside an Armand De Brignac bar and a line-up of DJs who supported the event.
Olivia Rodrigo: Dedicated Fan Experience
UMusic Shop Camden hosted a dedicated Olivia Rodrigo takeover, celebrating the global popstar and her connection with fans through an experiential in-store moment. The activation brought her music and broader creative identity into the retail space, giving fans a chance to engage with the artist beyond streaming.
Bon Jovi: Complete Store Takeover Alongside UK Tour
UMusic Shop Camden celebrated rock icons Bon Jovi with a dedicated in-store takeover recognising the band’s enduring influence and multi-generational fanbase. The activation spotlighted the band’s musical legacy, creating a destination for fans to connect with their music and celebrate their lasting impact on rock culture. The takeover also highlighted the band’s collaboration with TGR Haas F1 Team, with a real TGR HAAS F1 car positioned in the store.
Each moment has contributed to the store’s ongoing programme of artist-led experiences, using the retail space as a platform to celebrate music, connect with fans and bring artist stories to the forefront.
With the launch of the UMusic Bar and its partnership with Victrola, UMusic Shop Camden continues to expand its offering at the intersection of music, culture and retail.
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For further information, please contact umusicshopcamden@ledecompany.com
About UMusic Shop
Born from Camden’s musical legacy, UMusic Shop Camden is a unique experience located in the iconic Stables Market, designed to celebrate the past while driving the future forward. Immerse yourself in a series of zones: a specialised vinyl shop, a listening studio, a vinyl lounge, a main performance stage, and an exclusive merchandising space. Every corner pays tribute to the artists who shaped Camden and highlights the new generation that will define what’s coming next. More than a store, it is a living museum, a discovery stage, and a home for those who feel music as part of their lives.
About Victrola
Since 1906, Victrola has moved music from the concert hall to the living room, making it part of the moments that shape our lives. Today, Victrola is a global company with a mission of bringing lifelong music memories to everyone. Its turntables and audio products are designed with simplicity, beauty and superior sound, so music lovers everywhere can keep bringing music to life.
Charlotte Eddery-Joe
Lede Company
Why it matters: As streaming continues to dominate how we consume music, physical retail spaces are being forced to reinvent themselves. UMusic Shop Camden’s move to combine a bar, hands-on vinyl listening stations, and ongoing artist activations suggests a model where the store becomes a destination—not just a place to buy records, but a place to experience them.
