Culture
25 May 21

Music Shops Return, Live and In-Person: OMG @ Zhivago, Galway

In a new series, Hot Press is looking at some of the country's favourite music shops – whether that be records, instruments or gear – and how they're coping reopening to their customers.

Now based on Shop Street in Galway, OMG @ Zhivago is one of the country's most unique record stores.

Formerly known as Zhivago Records, the business has rebranded with a new name and a focus on catering to Irish K-pop fans.

"It was something that we came across from one of our buyers a few years ago," says Joseph Carroll of their foray into the Korean pop genre.

"We have people coming from all over Ireland. Literally, girls will drive up from Cork and come down from the North just to pick up five or six albums."

Joseph says that it was brilliant to have customers back in person again, with the shop welcoming many of their regulars back for the first time since the last lockdown ended.

"It's been amazing. We tried to do a little bit online, but it's not the same as having people in the shop. They can actually come in and flick through the music. The wage subsidy schemes helped a lot, without it the business would have struggled a lot."

Like many record stores, Joseph maintains that having customers physically in the shop is much more preferable than a fully online experience.

"A lot of vinyl customers like the experience of trawling through boxes and coming across albums that they might not see online. People like to come in here. They have music playing in the background, and they can just take their time and enjoy themselves."

He welcomes all potential new customers and regular ones to come and shop safely at the premises.

"We're looking forward to seeing as many customers as we can in-store. We have a large store here so we have plenty of space for people to come in and browse."

You can visit OMG @ Zhivago at 5 Shop St, Galway City or online at omggalway.com.

We’re back 😃🎶🙌
OMG @ Zhivago #Galway are open every day from 10 to 6 with all your Gift and Entertainment favourites 🍿

We have Vinyl, DVDs, Kpop, CDs, Soccer Merchandise, Mugs, Toys, Books, Headphones, Glasses, Sweets, T-Shirts and much more 🎸

Thanks for all your support😃 pic.twitter.com/KmaqyMLVB5

— OMG @ Zhivago Galway (@OMGGalway) May 17, 2021