Independent music retailer Rough Trade, which opened its first store in London in 1976 and became synonymous with punk and post punk bands, has expanded its music subscription service to broaden its appeal in-store, online and for events.
Rough Trade Club, which has its roots in the 2004 launch of The Album Club, was previously available to customers for £30 a month for LPs or £15 a month for CDs.
However, it will now offer three separate tiers – Tier 1 (basic tier), Tier 2.1 and Tier 2.2 – all available at different price points to make the Club more accessible and appealing.
Rough Trade Club Tier 1 is a new addition at almost a quarter of the price – £8 per month, £24 for three months, £40 for six months (one month free) or £80 for 12 months (two months free).
Designed for loyal customers who regularly visit the shop, go to events and buy online, Tier 1 subscribers will get free shipping on all orders, 10% off food and drinks at the bar, exclusive access to events, early access to online sales and 10% off Rough Trade Vintage in-store.
Tier 2 Rough Trade Club + New Music customers will have access to all Tier 1 features plus the Album of the Month in the format of their choice, with LPs costing £30 and CDs £15.
Meanwhile, Tier 2.2 Rough Trade Club + Essential has all the Tier 1 features, plus a Rough Trade Essential album title pressed on exclusive colour vinyl, for £38 per month.
Additionally, the subscription service design overhaul includes a new logo and branding that harks back to Rough Trade’s original logo from its first store on Kensington Park Road.
Previously, Club members have had access to an array of exclusive Album of the Month pressings, such as Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective, Mitski and Overmono as well as access to popular events like Bakar, Teenage Fanclub and Baby Queen.
All Rough Trade Club memberships are available to purchase as gifts, as three, six or 12-month subscriptions at the same price.
The retailer has been at the forefront of independent music for decades, after launching Rough Trade Records in 1978, the label of bands from The Smiths to The Libertines. However, despite the two separating in 1982, links between them remain strong.
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