A Dundee record store has received a shock delivery of signed album sleeves from one of the world’s biggest pop stars.
American singer Taylor Swift sent 40 exclusive signed copies of her latest chart-topping album, Folklore to independent record store Assai.
The company announced the news on social media on Wednesday with the public flocking to its two branches in the city centre and Edinburgh to snap them up in under two hours.
The singer surprised fans with the album during lockdown and has been sending copies to independent record stories across the UK and the USA.
Assai owner Keith Ingram said the delivery came as a complete shock.
“We were not expecting it at all. We heard about signed CDs being sent to independent record stores in America but didn’t give it much thought.
“On Wednesday morning a woman phoned us — I’m not even sure who she was — and she asked if we wanted any.
* SIGNED TAYLOR SWIFT CDS *
Wowzers! @taylorswift13 is helping to support indie record shops by sending out some signed copies of her ace new album "Folklore"!
AND WE'VE GOT SOME!
Only available in store, no reserves or phone payments. Come see us! #RecordStoreFolklore 😍 pic.twitter.com/4rz2Pk0dN8
— Assai UK (@Assai_UK) September 17, 2020
“I was obviously a bit sceptical at first but they arrived and we put the message out on social media. It just went absolutely crazy after that.”
The signed album retailed for £16.99 and those lucky enough to grab a copy could only purchase a copy in-store, rather than online or over the phone.
Assai, which specialises in vinyl, does not usually cell CDs, let alone pop albums.
Keith praised multi-Grammy award winner Swift for the “amazing” gesture.
“For such a huge star to do something like this is really amazing.
“She’s made a point of supporting stores like ours which is really nice. The response has blown me away.
“We’ve had messages from across the world saying they wish they lived in the UK to come in and buy one.”
“I’m still not sure why we were chosen by her team — maybe they chose the first store in the alphabet!”
The company only received sleeves from the record label so is still in the process of sourcing 10 more CDs to sell alongside those remaining.
They will be sold in the Dundee store when available.
On Thursday night Swift made her debut performance of ‘Betty’ from the chart-topping new album at the American Country Music Awards.
