SIM-only network Smarty Mobile is opening a pop-up store in London ahead of Record Store Day, and offering all visitors a free vinyl album.
The catch is you don’t know what you’ll get, as every platter comes in a sealed sleeve, to encourage music lovers to break listening habits and find new favourites
New research shows that restricted access to live music and record stores since the pandemic has meant the nation has fallen into a musical rut, listening to the same tracks over and over again.
The Smarty Disc-overy store, in partnership with Record Store Day (which takes place July 17), wants to ‘energise music lovers with new discoveries and serendipity.’ We’re told that amongst the shop’s collection will be rare, collectible albums, and special editions, so that should tempt collectors.
The store will also feature listening stations for customers to listen to the latest additions to their collections, while a DJ will take requests. We think it sounds like a lot of fun.
The catch is you don’t know what you’ll get, as every platter comes in a sealed sleeve…
Can you guess the mystery album?
New data released by UK record labels association, the BPI, details how music consumption has boomed during the COVID pandemic lockdowns of 2020, up by 8.2 per cent in 2020, with 155 million albums or their equivalent either streamed or purchased by fans, including 139 billion audio streams, 16 million CDs, nearly 5 million vinyl LPs, and over 150,000 cassettes.
Respondents to the BPI survey who listened to music were asked why it was so important to them during lockdown. As many as half said they listened to music to raise their spirits, with 42 per cent citing music’s ability to help them to relax or sleep. Four in 10 said music helped to alleviate boredom, while 27 per cent used it as an aid to boost concentration when working or studying.
The Smarty Disc-overy store pops up July 16, at 19 Air Street, London, W1B 5AG (nearest tube is Piccadilly Circus). The pop-up is free for all, every visitor will be gifted with a surprise vinyl.
Introducing Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, the latest Bluetooth headphone from the iconic UK Hi-Fi marque. These updated flagship cans build on the foundations of the original Px8, introducing mechanical and acoustic improvements for a more stable fit and commensurately expressive sound. With high-res wireless codec support, advanced noise cancellation and luxury materials, this new…
Danish audio outfit DALI has announced a new Hi-Fi speaker series, which combines advanced acoustic engineering with contemporary Scandi design. Landing globally in February 2026, the Sonik range will comprise seven models covering stereo, home cinema and on-wall applications. The enclosures come a choice of finishes: Black Ash, Walnut, Natural Oak and White, complete with…
The Audio-Technica Hotaru is a music system like no other. This limited-edition turntable combines analogue vinyl playback with magnetic levitation and reactive lighting. Only 1,000 units have been made, each priced at €9,999. The design is intended as both a high-end music system and a sculptural object d’art. The Hotaru uses a floating structure and…
The Luxe Review 
SIM-only network Smarty Mobile is opening a pop-up store in London ahead of Record Store Day, and offering all visitors a free vinyl album.
The catch is you don’t know what you’ll get, as every platter comes in a sealed sleeve, to encourage music lovers to break listening habits and find new favourites
New research shows that restricted access to live music and record stores since the pandemic has meant the nation has fallen into a musical rut, listening to the same tracks over and over again.
The Smarty Disc-overy store, in partnership with Record Store Day (which takes place July 17), wants to ‘energise music lovers with new discoveries and serendipity.’ We’re told that amongst the shop’s collection will be rare, collectible albums, and special editions, so that should tempt collectors.
The store will also feature listening stations for customers to listen to the latest additions to their collections, while a DJ will take requests. We think it sounds like a lot of fun.
New data released by UK record labels association, the BPI, details how music consumption has boomed during the COVID pandemic lockdowns of 2020, up by 8.2 per cent in 2020, with 155 million albums or their equivalent either streamed or purchased by fans, including 139 billion audio streams, 16 million CDs, nearly 5 million vinyl LPs, and over 150,000 cassettes.
Respondents to the BPI survey who listened to music were asked why it was so important to them during lockdown. As many as half said they listened to music to raise their spirits, with 42 per cent citing music’s ability to help them to relax or sleep. Four in 10 said music helped to alleviate boredom, while 27 per cent used it as an aid to boost concentration when working or studying.
The Smarty Disc-overy store pops up July 16, at 19 Air Street, London, W1B 5AG (nearest tube is Piccadilly Circus). The pop-up is free for all, every visitor will be gifted with a surprise vinyl.
The Smarty Mobile network offers Low costs, straightforward plans, and flexible deals. Click here for its latest SIM-Only deals.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review: new headphone flagship offers bigger sound, gorgeous design
Introducing Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, the latest Bluetooth headphone from the iconic UK Hi-Fi marque. These updated flagship cans build on the foundations of the original Px8, introducing mechanical and acoustic improvements for a more stable fit and commensurately expressive sound. With high-res wireless codec support, advanced noise cancellation and luxury materials, this new…
From stereo music to home cinema, DALI’s new Sonik speaker range can do it all
Danish audio outfit DALI has announced a new Hi-Fi speaker series, which combines advanced acoustic engineering with contemporary Scandi design. Landing globally in February 2026, the Sonik range will comprise seven models covering stereo, home cinema and on-wall applications. The enclosures come a choice of finishes: Black Ash, Walnut, Natural Oak and White, complete with…
Audio-Technica Hotaru first review: floating, glowing turntable elevates vinyl playback
The Audio-Technica Hotaru is a music system like no other. This limited-edition turntable combines analogue vinyl playback with magnetic levitation and reactive lighting. Only 1,000 units have been made, each priced at €9,999. The design is intended as both a high-end music system and a sculptural object d’art. The Hotaru uses a floating structure and…
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