The owner of Chester's oldest record shop says he is optimistic about the store's future post-coronavirus crisis.

Small businesses have been at risk since the breakout of the coronavirus, and it's uncertain what spending habits will look like once they reopen.

However, Mike Moran, who owns Grey and Pink Records on Brook Street in Chester, says he thinks vinyl will still be in demand and isn't too concerned about what the post-coronavirus retail world will bring.

Mike has run the city's oldest record shop for over 30 years and is confident in his customers' support of the shop.

Speaking to Cheshire Live about what could be in store, he said: "I think it'll be alright - we've always done alright.

(Left to right) Neil Davis, Paul Hickman and Michael Moran of Grey and Pink Records

"We're established, people know what the score is."

The 69-year-old, who runs the shop alongside Paul Hickman and Neil Davis, explained that for their shoppers, it's the 'thrill of the kill' with coming into the shop - rather than purchasing online.

The trio also has a wealth of experience to offer - with varied music tastes and time to spare when you want some recommendations.

Mike said: "What's made this shop successful is we're all music fans of all different types of music."

Inside Grey and Pink Records on Brook Street in Chester

He explained that it will be thanks to this dedication that will see them come through the other side of the pandemic.

However, the small business owner said he understands that it won't be the same for all Chester shops.

He said: "I think it's a very unnerving time for people in business because a lot will go under - and that is really sad.

"You've got to work a lot harder. If the best of the rest are there then that's great. It'll just sort out the wheat from the chaff."

Mike says he hopes that the shop will be able to reopen in June - but it is all dependent on government guidelines and logistics.

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He said: "We might go back first week of June all being well but my first concern is [Paul and Neil's] health and how they feel about it."

In the meantime, everything is on pause, he explained: "We're not really doing anything - we're happy to sit it out."

Grey and Pink specialises in rare and collectible records

However, there are no plans to make the current closure permanent.

He said: "I've got no intentions of closing it on a permanent basis."

The musician and self-professed anorak has built the business over the last 30 years - although initially his plan to open a record shop nearly fell through.

On the future of the business, Mike said: "I'm 70 this year - if I get another five years in I'll be happy."

However, that doesn't mean the shop will be lost - as there are back-up plans in place, so concerned vinyl-lovers can rest easy!