TERESA BIRD
ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS
When Rik Abel got laid off, he decided it might be time to do something new. The web developer turned to his love of music and has opened Rik’s Picks, a vintage record shop in Port Alberni on Johnston Road. The store boasts more than 5,000 albums and a wide variety of amps, speakers and turntables.
He moved to Port Alberni two years ago from England, but has been visiting with family in the Valley for 25 years and has made the community home.
Abel’s large collection of vinyl came primarily from two collectors in the community, including stock from Portal Oddities and Curios, a shop in Harbour Quay that closed last year.
Since opening in the late fall, Rik’s Picks has had a “steady stream” of people in the store, says Abel.
“There have been some nerdy hi-fi conversations with guys who have come in,” laughs Abel, who says many people are happy to see a vintage record store in town.
He is currently tackling sorting the large collection by genre and artist to make them easier to search. Find Rik’s Picks on Facebook or drop by the shop, located next to AV Financial. Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.