As if recent years haven't been challenging enough for independent record stores, France's Covid-19 lockdown has seen them all forced to close their doors alongside other cultural institutions such as bookstores in what is normally the start of the key pre-Christmas period for most small retail businesses.
It's a major blow, but it's spurred many on to take measures to stay afloat amid the turbulence, and while they're not allowed to open their doors to customers, they are permitted to run a 'click and collect' service that allows them to sell to customers while preserving the sanitary conditions that are currently required. You can order online and pick up the physical disc at the shop.
It's a slender lifeline, but it is better than nothing.
Taking things further, CALIF, the Club Action des Labels et des Disquaires Indépendants Français, developed an interactive map of France showing all the independent record retailers involved in the scheme, allowing you to track down your closes and contact them.
To those in France it's a quick way you can help out the grassroots outposts of the country's' music industry and help them through a tough time. To those outside France, it's a useful planner for when you're next in the country, amid more favourable times when you can take the time to visit in person.
Fingers crossed they'll still be there.
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