Popular Edinburgh record store Elvis Shakespeare to close after 20 years
A beloved Edinburgh books and records emporium will close its doors for the final time this week after more than 20 years of trading.
Elvis Shakespeare - known for its eye-catching signage featuring the heads of Elvis Presley and William Shakespeare - has been an ever-present fixture on Leith Walk since May 2005, selling ‘quality literature’ rare vinyl and CDs.
Owner David Griffin first put his shop, which specialises in punk, alternative, indie ‘and also dance music from the late 1980s onwards’, up for sale in December 2024, and this month announced it would close its doors for the final time on Sunday, March 29.
Distraught customers have described the news as ‘a big loss to that part of town’ and the ‘end of an era’.
One said: “That's terrible news. Elvis Shakespeare has been a much-loved Leith institution for decades. For books, vinyl, pop up gigs and craic. Best shop on the Walk with the very best folk working there. Be a sad day when you shut yer doors.”
Another added: “So sad, one of the genuinely best things in Edinburgh. I’m going to miss buying records and books from you - you are such an incomparable gift to the city.”
A third said: “As a Weegie, my trips down Leith Walk over two decades will be that little bit poorer without your presence. Elvis Shakespeare was a one-off emporium of wonderful curios, from ancient vinyl and books to local artists and fanzines and publications.
“I'll miss all the wonderful humans behind the counter and the excitement of raking through the JUST ARRIVED bins. I wish every one of you all the very best.”
The store is offering a 50 per cent off discount on all books, CDs, T-shirts and DVDs as part of its closing down sale.