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.
Danish design house Fritz Hansen and Japanese audio specialist Technics have joined forces on a limited-edition collaboration that ostensibly explores the relationship between light and sound. Previewed at the annual 3daysofdesign 2026 festival in Copenhagen, the partnership combines a special edition of Fritz Hansen’s KAISER idell lamp with a matching Technics turntable, both finished in…
Ruark Audio has unveiled the R710 Music Console and Talisman-R floorstanding speakers at this week’s Vienna High End Hi-Fi Show, marking a major launch for the British brand as it celebrates 40 years in audio. Finished in either Fused Walnut veneer or Satin Charcoal lacquer, both lean heavily into furniture-grade presentation and tactile operation, without…
This time out, The Luxe Review podcast lends an ear to the latest developments in personal audio. Join our AI hosts as they recap TLR’s recent headphone coverage, including a review of Sony’s new WH-1000X flagship cans, and a literal paint swatch of new colourways from JBL and Technics… Anne: The team has been covering…
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.
Fritz Hansen and Technics unite light and sound in limited-edition burgundy collaboration
Danish design house Fritz Hansen and Japanese audio specialist Technics have joined forces on a limited-edition collaboration that ostensibly explores the relationship between light and sound. Previewed at the annual 3daysofdesign 2026 festival in Copenhagen, the partnership combines a special edition of Fritz Hansen’s KAISER idell lamp with a matching Technics turntable, both finished in…
CD meets streaming: Ruark launches R710 Music Console and Talisman-R speakers
Ruark Audio has unveiled the R710 Music Console and Talisman-R floorstanding speakers at this week’s Vienna High End Hi-Fi Show, marking a major launch for the British brand as it celebrates 40 years in audio. Finished in either Fused Walnut veneer or Satin Charcoal lacquer, both lean heavily into furniture-grade presentation and tactile operation, without…
The Luxe Review Podcast: These new headphones are designed to turn heads
This time out, The Luxe Review podcast lends an ear to the latest developments in personal audio. Join our AI hosts as they recap TLR’s recent headphone coverage, including a review of Sony’s new WH-1000X flagship cans, and a literal paint swatch of new colourways from JBL and Technics… Anne: The team has been covering…
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