#fist2face

Depressing news has surfaced that popular record / merch store Fist2Face, located in Melbourne, is closing their doors after 10 years.

Fist2Face say it best themselves.. They are a real record store, run by passionate and music obsessive staff, who only stock authorised music & merchandise. Oh, they also happen to be Australia's longest running and most trusted independent, online music merch store.

Unfortunately over the years there have been a number of set backs for the store and its dedicated owner Gerard Pidoto. Such factors as the stock rooms flooding numerous times, staff thieving from the store, and windows getting smashed. 

Through it all, it seems Gerard has not let any of it get him down. He had given up his own personal wage from the store, started taking on extra jobs to recover the stores debt, all while couchsurfing to just keep the store alive. I personally think that is some exceptionally inspiring dedication!

Fist2Face has always made an exceedingly positive impression on me. My first experience with the store was a number of years ago when I had my first attempt of running a clothing brand. F2F was one of the first and most friendly / helpful stores that I had ever spoke to. I was inspired to one day have the chance to share a mutual appreciation with the store.

Another experience of my own, that stands out most, is the Music2Face CD sampler they had created. Music2Face was a free seasonal music sampler given out for free to the large following the store had. Giving a number of Australia bands (including my own), a huge opportunity to be heard. This still is an insanely awesome idea for a record store to actually do, Id love to do it with SF orders one day!

I'm extremely sad to hear the closing of the store and the fact I will never get the chance to work with Gerard, I'm happy to know he will have the chance to truly relax now though. Great work everyone, I hope to visit the store before the doors close and spend some money there, like you should!

the never ever - glow (acoustic)