Rambling with… Argy’s Records

St. Vital

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/04/2024 (783 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Argy’s Records & Entertainment Shop is still located at Unit 9-1604 St. Mary’s Rd. I just had to touch base with owner Ray Giguere to see how things have been going since the COVID-19 pandemic was brought under some semblance of control. After I contacted Ray once again, I sent him the following questions and as per my modus operandi, will let his responses write the column for me.

1) When we last spoke you mentioned that, as well as Argy’s you had a side hustle, Giguere Honey Farm, so I would be remiss unless I ask you on how both have rebounded?

This question is tough Weldon, because during the pandemic honey sales were good but the day job, the store, kept me so busy that I had to scale back on the honey. We had great success doing the markets, but the main priority was the store.

2) You had also mentioned that the pandemic had claimed another job or two, so I wonder if you were able to hire some help, as you initially wished?

The record industry seemed to be spared instead of suffering a fallback and, as far as hiring, we haven’t had much success because it’s only part-time and the employees we’ve tried out have other full-time obligations and responsibilities that limit their ability to make a commitment. I’ve got several employees trained and, although I prefer Sundays off, it doesn’t always work out that way.

3) Have your business(es) both returned to pre-pandemic numbers, stayed the same, or experienced growth, as some others have reported?

The pandemic allowed me time to explore creating videos for marketing purposes and because customers discovered a new appreciation for vinyl and dragged out their turntables and record players, we were crazy-busy, and it was lights out as soon as my head hit the pillows at night.

4) Anything else you would like to add Ray?

It’s been a blast seeing the record business undergo such a rebound and, although I don’t use the word grateful loosely, I’m grateful for the support of my wife, friends, and family who’ve been here for 42 years supporting me, and hopefully it continues for the foreseeable future or as long as I’m able to do this. It’s been stressful, demanding, and trying but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. One last thing I want to add is we’re coming up on a big record day, as Record Story Day is April 20, and Argy’s is celebrating its 42nd anniversary in May.