The Guardian says: Rough Trade, the revered independent U.K. record store, opens its first-ever U.S. location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn today. The digital lounge is where the Guardian's independent journalism comes to life through an immersive and interactive in-store experience.
#GuardianGreenRoom, located on Rough Trade NYC's second floor mezzanine, will serve as an in-store content creation hub. Visitors will be able to explore the Guardian's music and cultural coverage, interface and engage with the Guardian's wide assortment of interactive content, browse store events and daily happenings, compare music tastes and cultural trends across the Atlantic, share insights, ideas and opinions, or simply enjoy the store's many diverse offerings.
With its iconic history as a record label and cultural hub already comprising two locations in East and West London, Rough Trade NYC will be the largest and most ambitious of its three locations -- the first international step toward making the independent and beloved brand a trusted global symbol of personable music retail.
The sprawling 15,000 square foot warehouse space will house a vast and diverse collection of curated records and books; a dedicated 250-person capacity music venue with bar and balcony seating offering a full schedule of live shows and events in partnership with The Bowery Presents; 30 CD listening stations; a cafe run by the team behind Five Leaves restaurant; and a 400 sq ft exhibition space that will feature a new exhibit every month, in addition to the Guardian's digital lounge.
"We're thrilled to partner with one of the most iconic music brands to bring the Guardian's independent journalism to life in the heart of New York City's creative community," said Caspar Llewellyn Smith, Head of Culture at the Guardian. "#GuardianGreenRoom is all about making our journalism and cultural coverage accessible in new and exciting ways."
"As a fiercely independent company, we're proud to partner with the Guardian, who has pioneered an innovative and independent approach to journalism, said Stephen Godfroy, Co-President & Co-Owner, Rough Trade. "#GuardianGreenRoom is a wonderfully dynamic element of Rough Trade NYC, particularly with its emphasis on digital interaction and complementary transatlantic sensibilities."
Rough Trade NYC is located at 64 North 9th Street, corner of Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (5 minutes walk from Bedford L subway, 3 minutes from North 6th East River Ferry terminal).
