Step into Arundel’s Old Print Works and the soundtrack changes immediately: A Ray Of Delight Collectors Records & CDs is the sort of independent shop where a quick browse can easily turn into a proper rummage.
Background / History
Operating from the Old Print Works shopping arcade on Tarrant Street, A Ray Of Delight has built a steady reputation in the town as a collector-minded, independent record shop. The shop is closely associated with Malcolm Pine, whose long-standing passion for music and straightforward, down-to-earth approach has helped it become a familiar stop for regular diggers as well as visitors passing through Arundel. The shop is noted as having opened in 2013, and it has continued in the same spirit since: well-kept stock, fair pricing, and an emphasis on the simple pleasure of discovery.
What You’ll Find
Expect a strong focus on pre-loved vinyl in good condition, alongside CDs and other formats for collectors who like a broader hunt. Listings for the shop also reference tapes, 45s and even 78s, making it a worthwhile stop if your taste runs beyond the obvious. Genres are broad rather than niche-gated, with a recurring nod towards classic material and rock ’n’ roll, while still leaving room for the “weird and wonderful” that turns up when a shop buys and trades regularly. You’ll also see the “music culture” extras that suit a collector’s den—items such as music posters and signed pictures appear among the stock mix.
Experience / Atmosphere
Browsing here feels informal and human: crates you can properly flip through, the kind of conversation that starts with “what are you into?” and ends with a recommendation you didn’t expect, and a pace that suits both serious collectors and curious newcomers. Comments from visitors regularly highlight the range, value, and friendly, helpful manner—the shop’s character is very much part of its appeal, especially in a town where independent traders help set the tone.
Why Visit
- Collector-friendly used stock with an emphasis on condition
- Multiple formats (vinyl, CDs, tapes, 45s and more) for broader digging
- A genuinely independent shop with a recognisable owner-run feel
- Handy Old Print Works location for pairing with an Arundel day out
- Typical opening pattern suits weekend browsing (including Sunday hours)
Summary
If you like record shops that prioritise good used copies, real-world knowledge, and the simple joy of a dig, A Ray Of Delight is an easy recommendation. It’s a proper collector’s stop in a distinctive Arundel setting—ideal for a targeted search, or for letting the crates lead you somewhere new.
