From its Mitchell Street address, Chunes has the feel of a long-running independent that has stayed loyal to the basics: solid stock, broad taste and the kind of practical music knowledge that only comes from years behind the counter. Established in 1997 and run by Meredith “Meri” Ketley, the shop has been part of Weymouth’s record-buying life for decades, with Ketley’s own record-collecting history stretching back to 1981.
Background / History
Chunes is one of those shops built from genuine collecting culture rather than fashion. Ketley opened it in 1997, and the business has remained rooted in independent retail ever since. The address at 9 Mitchell Street has become a familiar stop for local buyers, collectors and passing browsers, while the shop’s online presence through Discogs and eBay shows the same long-term commitment to physical formats and used stock.
What You’ll Find
The core offer is wide rather than narrowly specialist. Chunes carries vinyl and CDs across all styles, with new and pre-owned stock sitting side by side; social profiles also show tapes as part of the mix. Beyond records themselves, there are DJ accessories, turntable-related items, instrument spares and a scattering of collectables, which gives the shop a slightly broader old-school music-retail character than many newer vinyl-only spaces. The second-hand side is clearly important too, with online listings highlighting professionally cleaned used records and careful grading.
Experience / Atmosphere
Browsing here sounds like a straightforward pleasure: plenty of choice, no unnecessary fuss, and staff who know what they are talking about. Customer feedback repeatedly points to a welcoming atmosphere, helpful service and Meri’s knowledge in particular, which suits a shop that seems to serve both committed collectors and more casual music buyers equally well. Chunes also carries the reassuring sense of a place where records are still part of everyday life rather than a styled backdrop, with practical accessories and used stock reinforcing that lived-in, specialist feel.
Why Visit
- Trading since 1997, with a long-established place in Weymouth’s independent music retail scene.
- A broad mix of vinyl, CDs and tapes, covering all genres rather than one narrow niche.
- Strong appeal for second-hand buyers, with professionally cleaned used stock and active online selling through Discogs and eBay.
- Useful extras such as DJ supplies, turntable accessories and instrument spares.
- Friendly, knowledgeable service that regular customers clearly value.
Chunes is worth seeking out because it still reflects a very traditional idea of what an independent record shop should be: experienced ownership, mixed-format stock, a healthy used section and a browsing atmosphere shaped by real musical knowledge. For Weymouth, it remains an important shop for anyone who wants records in a setting that feels grounded, useful and properly independent.
