A lifelong record collector who swapped a corporate career to open an independent record shop in Woolwich says he hopes the business will become a welcoming community space for music lovers.
Josh Thornton opened Diet Cola Records on Woolwich Church Street, near Woolwich Dockyard, around six months ago after deciding to turn his passion for vinyl into a full-time career.
The shop, which specialises in buying and selling vinyl records, also hosts weekly DJ sets and has attracted visitors from across the UK and beyond.
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Josh told the News Shopper: "I've been collecting records all my life and I'm in my mid-40s now.
"I was in a corporate career and I put myself in a position where I wanted to open a record shop. There wasn't really anything around here."
Josh moved to the area from Hackney around 10 years ago and said he had been waiting for more independent businesses to appear before deciding to take the plunge himself.
Rather than opening a shop elsewhere, he chose an industrial estate near Woolwich Dockyard.
"We sell vinyl and we have DJs in on a Thursday night. We're trying to build a community space for DJs and artists", Josh added.
Josh believes the popularity of vinyl has remained strong despite changing listening habits.
He said: "People talk about a vinyl revival, but it never really went away."
The shop has quickly become a meeting place for music fans, with customers travelling from across the country to browse the collection.
Josh added: "We've had young producers from the area who I wasn't aware of. We've had international DJs pass through, so people are flying in.
"We've had some very cool people come through and we've had people come down from Cambridge.
"It's been good fun having these people show up. You meet new faces."
Diet Cola Records is open Monday to Saturday, with Sunday visits available by appointment.
Josh said appointments allow him to give customers a more personal experience.
He explained: "Generally people reach out through social media and then we give a guided service. It's interesting to have a chat with people. Everyone's experience with vinyl is different.
"Some people know exactly what they want, while others want to be guided through it if it's their first record-buying experience. It's whatever people want it to be. I want it to be a homely, friendly space and a relaxed experience."
You can follow Diet Cola Records on Instagram here.
While Josh says opening the shop has been rewarding, he admits running an independent business has brought plenty of challenges.
"I wouldn't say it's been smooth sailing," he said. "It's very difficult now. It's not a high-margin business and unless people come through the doors we're in trouble.
"Times are very tight. It's just me - a one-man band. I'm the owner, the tea boy, everything.
"When I started I thought, 'This is great.' Then I realised I also needed to become a social media expert. Absolutely every day is a school day."
Diet Cola Records is located on Woolwich Church Street, SE18 5NS, and specialises in new and used vinyl records while hosting regular DJ nights for the local community.
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