RPM Record Shop Moves Into A Modern Era

The RPM (Reaching People Through Music) Record Shop, on West Street here in Sittingbourne, is celebrating after securing funding to purchase a new point-of-sale (POS) till system, helping this much-loved local charity; the Fenner Frost Foundation, improve its operations and customer care.

The RPM (Reaching People Through Music) Record Shop, on West Street here in Sittingbourne, is celebrating after securing funding to purchase a new point-of-sale (POS) till system, helping this much-loved local charity; the Fenner Frost Foundation, improve its operations and customer care.

The funding, awarded by Reform UK KCC Councillor for Sittingbourne South Cllr Paul Webb through the Member Grants Scheme, has enabled the shop to replace its existing till with a modern POS solution, designed to make transactions quicker, improve stock management and provide more efficient sales reporting. For an independent record shop, where stock can range from new album releases to rare and second-hand vinyl, CDs and other music-related products, having an accurate and reliable till system is an important part of running the business.

Charity Director Lou Fowkes told SFM News: “We’re incredibly grateful to Paul for this crucial funding. Investing in a new POS till might not sound glamorous, but it will make a real difference to how we run the shop. It will also help our team, who have learning disabilities, down syndrome and/or are on the autistic spectrum, a greater understanding of the financial impact of what it takes to run a viable business on the high street. It will additionally give us more time to focus on what we love; supporting our team with their ongoing work place, social and life skills, together with their personal development.”

Paul popped into RPM last week and was given a grand tour, learning all about the vital work they do at the charity and was delighted to meet some of the RPM team. Alongside George, Sam and Jamie, Lou also asked him to pick out his favourite vinyl album - he chose Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours.’ The shop has also recently completed an extensive refurbishment, delivering a fresh, modern monochrome environment both inside and out and is part of RPM’s ongoing commitment to developing the business and providing a welcoming destination for music fans in and around Sittingbourne.