IN the digital age of downloads and online music, the idea of a thriving independent record shop can seem like the relic of a bygone era.

However, Kaleidoscope Records in Westfield Street is proudly bucking the trend, with the independent store still going strong 20 years after first opening for business.

The advancement of technology and websites such as iTunes saw digital download sales top the £1 billion mark for the first time in 2012.

But despite these changes, Kaleidoscope has stood firm against the tide with its old school ways, with rows of old-style records for any music lover to browse through.

However, there has been a recent resurgence in vinyl sales, which saw 2013 have the highest sales figures of vinyl albums in more than 15 years, according to the British Phonographic Industry, which is over double the number the year before.

For Kaleidoscope owner Greg Duggins, this upsurge is a major factor in his business’ continual success. And while the store’s bestsellers include old classics such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and The Beatles, there is now also a new generation of younger customers.

“The concentration on the vinyl is the big thing for me, and I stuck to it even when people just wanted the CDs,” said Greg, who started the business in 1984.

“There’s been a revival of people buying vinyl records and now there’s a whole new generation. I have a lot of younger visitors coming in now. When I started out there were many youngsters and there are more coming in again now.”

In addition, the store’s commitment to providing for the wants of its customers is a big factor of Kaleidoscope’s survival while so many other chains have fallen by the wayside.

“I cater for my customers, rather than just stick to the top 30, and if they ask for something in particular I take it in,” says Greg.

“I do tend to take in more obscure items and I will have a lot of obscure artists.

“People will travel from quite far to come to the shop – even from Manchester and Leeds – and that is especially the case for the more unusual stuff.

“We’re looking quite good at the moment.”