The shopping street in Roskilde, Algade, has changed. On one single day there are more piercings, bag packs and beer cans than the locals get to see on all the other days of the year put together. This year’s festival has certainly started – everything is as it should be. We went behind the counter to see the festival from the shopkeepers’ perspective.
By Morten Grønborg
Translated by Frederikke Lindholm
The record store GUF, Camilla Feldthusen
How have you prepared for the festival?
Since the music programme was released, we have been working to get the music in store. Especially the smaller bands that do not have a Danish distributor. As an example we have been buying a lot more records by the mathcore-band The Dillinger Escape Plan than we would normally have.
Tell us about a weird experience in connection with the festival.
We sold an incredible amount of cassette tapes last year, 200-300 of them. They do not cost a lot, but we do not sell any of them during the rest of the year. None at all! It is probably because people bring their old tape recorders to the festival because they can afford to be thrashed. Then people will get their Erasure and Right Said Fred from us.
The street-wear store X-treme, Brion Andersen
How have you prepared for the festival?
Nothing. The festival and I share the same customers, so the target group is spot-on. But I have considered having e.g. more shoes in stock. After a few days at the festival, many people could do with a new pair.
Tell us about a weird experience in connection with the festival
A few years ago I made sure that there was a DJ and a proper lounge atmosphere in the store, and four Norwegians became permanent residents outside in an inflatable couch where they drank beer. They came by every day and did not leave until closing time. They were pretty entertaining.
The wine and tobacco kiosk Havanna Huset Günay Gül
How have you prepared for the festival?
We have cleared the shelves for wine to make space for spirits - vodka, shots and such. We have also tripled our stock of cigarettes, tobacco and cigarette paper. Especially the long ones are very popular. They say "we would like some Rizla - the long ones".
Tell us about a weird experience in connection with the festival
Well, last year was weird with all that rain. The store was filthy, just like the people. It got worse and worse throughout the week.
