Santus Platus: Vinyl Records and Craft Beer

Santus Platus, born from a passion for vinyl during a climbing trip, offers an eclectic record collection alongside a craft beer experience, creating a unique community hub for music enthusiasts. Read our interview with the owner of Santus Platus.

What motivated you to start a Santus Platus record store? Was it a lifelong passion for music, a memorable experience, or perhaps something completely different that ignited your interest in vinyl?

I opened the record shop to explore something new related to my passion for records. Previously, I earned my living by attending record fairs. The idea was conceived by a very good friend and me while we were on a climbing holiday.

With an extensive range of offerings from all music genres to film soundtracks and personality records, what inspired you to curate such a varied inventory? Could you also share how you source these unique collections?

Music or record collecting is a personal thing, and I want to make all visitors happy, so I offer all types of music. Sure, a good structure is important for visitor orientation, to help them find records easily. First, it's divided by different music genres, and within those, there's an alphabetical organization.

Considering the impressive size of your collection, which includes both new pressings and second-hand records, how do you maintain the quality of each record? What specific standards must a record meet before it becomes part of your store’s offerings?

After all these years in the record business—around 25 years for me—I've learned that only top condition has value, because records with marks of use can disappoint someone. Trust and responsibility are important aspects that you should offer as a seller. I inspect them visually and check only one side to save time. If there are some flaws, then I offer the record at a cheaper price to the buyer, and then everything is right again.

Your store is known for offering used LPs starting as low as €3. How do you balance the pricing, especially considering the varying quality and rarity of the records?

The €3 boxes contain records with marks of use. They don't have a plastic bag and a price tag; that's the difference compared to the top-quality records. I set the prices based on my gut feeling, which I've developed over 25 years in records. For rare records, I check the prices on the internet.

Beyond vinyl, you also sell accessories and record players. How do these additional products enhance the vinyl experience for your customers? What do your customers usually look for when selecting these items?

Offering record equipment like plastic protection foils or cleaning brushes is something every record shop should do. Players are not as important in my view, but I also acquire them with the records as a side catch.

Incorporating craft beer into the store's offerings is quite unique. How has this addition influenced the customer experience? Does it help in creating a certain atmosphere or vibe within the store?

When I listen to music, I also enjoy drinking beer. So, for me and many customers, it's a great combination. Some even practice this in the shop—first opening a beer, then looking at records. The record shop should also be a meeting place for enjoyment. That's why I offer beer, seating areas, and an outdoor beer garden. I think that this is the modern record shop—the combination of selling records with wine or beer.

You offer customers the opportunity to pick up special orders at record fairs. How do these events enhance your business, and what can customers expect when they come to pick up a highly sought-after record like a "Holy Grail"?

My business structure is that I offer mint and more rare records on the webshop: www.santus-platus.de. The reason is that I have had some selfish idiots in the shop not treating the Holy Grails with respect—so I decided to do it this way with the webshop. I also want to offer these records to my international clients. I offer both sending the records and picking them up at record fairs or the shop. Then I don't have to pack them, and so I can give a discount to the people.