Bargains

[Flosshilde]

That seems a shame; is the ground level shop empty?

No, it's a remainder bookshop. I assume that Gramex originally moved into the ground floor? I was told that the basement was £500 (a month?) cheaper, & that not putting the CDs into any order saved employing staff to do so; it sounds as if money is tight. I think there's slightly less space than in the old shop, & of course not having a window display won't attract people in. & I would have tought that not having things in any order would depress sales - you'd need several hours to sift through hundreds of CDs in the hope of finding the one you're looking for, or even anything you might be interested in, & I wouldn't have thought many people have that sort of time, especially in Waterloo.

[visualnickmos]

It does sound as if things are on the decline for Gramex. Very unfortunate. I was in GB in early March and went to the new shop - I noticed that most of the CDs wer on the tables, whereas before, there was some but not as much as in the old place, alphabetical shelving as well. I liked that format; one could browse 'a la carte' or simply scrabble around for a 'gem' but the whole shop wasn't somehow the same as before, and during the hour and a half I was there (I had time on my hands) only 2 or 3 other customers showed up. I remember the 90s when it would be a real hive of activity whenever I popped in. I wonder if this an extended result of internet shopping further undermining retail outlets.....? Pity - I do enjoy a good old rummage from time to time. I did have a nice chat with Roger, the owner. I think when he eventually stops project-Gramex, the shop will be gone for good. Such a shame really.....

[Cockney Sparrow]

I would have thought that not having things in any order would depress sales - you'd need several hours to sift through hundreds of CDs in the hope of finding the one you're looking for, or even anything you might be interested in,

I visited - once. In the upstairs. A good half of the stock on the tables. We could be met half way, couldn't we - on shelves, opera, orchestral, instrumental, vocal, historic, etc. The entire time I was there, the owner held court in his armchair, when he could have been shelving - even in such a rudimentary order. I did find things worth buying, but not enough - I haven't been back. And it seems that there aren't enough people who find this concept of "serving" paying customers is satisfactory. On top of the expense of time, I don't live in London - so every day (or half day in the case of Gramex) also has a financial cost before I do anything, I'm not just browsing in a country bookshop (such places do still exist, here and there...).

[ChrisBennell]

A friend of mine visited last week, and was also surprised to find Gramex in the basement. Roger was having a nap when he arrived, but was his usual self. He had 2 helpers sorting through a pile of newly arrived stock. My friend thought the stock selection was at least as big as ever, and possibly more so. I'll pay a visit when I can next get up there, in July. Though I don't expect Roger to do too much leaping up the stairs for tea and buns on the house, any more!

In the meantime, I acquired the John Eliot Gardiner St. Matthew Passion (1989) in Oxfam, Woodley, today for £3.99 - couldn't resist at that price! Seems in good nick too!

[Petrushka]

I was in Gramex a month ago and Roger let me make up my own price for my purchases - he never even checked. I did a quick bit of mental arithmetic and said £45 but he let me have them for £38 without looking.

Yes, he's in the basement but the stock is staggering. I spent about three hours in there and only saw a portion of it. The constant bending was beginning to do my back in!

[Flosshilde]

As well as Gramex I visited Roger Moore in Gt Marlborough St. I would think that their 2nd hand stock compares with Gramex in size, & is properly organised. What's more, at the moment all 2nd hand stock is reduced by 50%.

[Petrushka]

As well as Gramex I visited [Harold] Moore in Gt Marlborough St. I would think that their 2nd hand stock compares with Gramex in size, & is properly organised. What's more, at the moment all 2nd hand stock is reduced by 50%.

Foyles also have a second hand section and while it's nowhere near as extensive as Gramex or Moores does yield the occasional gem. A visit to London has me flitting between the three.

[richardfinegold]

As well as Gramex I visited Roger Moore in Gt Marlborough St. I would think that their 2nd hand stock compares with Gramex in size, & is properly organised. What's more, at the moment all 2nd hand stock is reduced by 50%.

I loved Moores when I was there 3 years ago. I just hope that these shops buck all curent trends and continue to survive.

[Nick Armstrong]

I visited Roger Moore in Gt Marlborough St.

I think you mean Harold Moores.



Sir Roger lives in Crans-Montana, I believe

[cloughie]

I think you mean Harold Moores.



Sir Roger lives in Crans-Montana, I believe

Was there a Templar records chain some years ago?

[Nick Armstrong]

Was there a Templar records chain some years ago?

Oh very good!

[Flosshilde]

I think you mean Harold Moores.

Indeed I do

If I was going to get the wrong Moore, Gerald would have been more appropriate.

[MickyD]

Amazing bargain on Amazon Italy - all 60 CDs of the Harnoncourt/Leonhardt Complete Cantatas for just 112 euros.

http://www.amazon.it/Bach-Complete-Cantatas-Nikolaus-Harnoncourt/dp/B000RZOR2U/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1432759343&sr=1-1&keywords=bach+harnoncourt

[Bryn]

Amazing bargain on Amazon Italy - all 60 CDs of the Harnoncourt/Leonhardt Complete Cantatas for just 112 euros.

http://www.amazon.it/Bach-Complete-C...ch+harnoncourt

Not so sure that's such a bargain. After all this includes those 60 CDs, and all the rest of the complete works, and only costs an extra €30.49.

[Ah. It's not what the listing claims is to be. It's the USB stick of mp3s, not the 153 CDs. See the customer reviews]

[gurnemanz]

Not so sure that's such a bargain. After all this includes those 60 CDs, and all the rest of the complete works, and only costs an extra €30.49.

[Ah. It's not what the listing claims is to be. It's the USB stick of mp3s, not the 153 CDs. See the customer reviews]

I have that stick (copied to laptop). It is not arranged as CDs but consists of 1045 individual folders, one for each work, some of which contain only one file. Still well worth getting.