Admiral Analog’s Audio Assortment owner Andrew Barton takes some records from a customer, in his new location on Saturday. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Admiral Analog’s Audio Assortment closed the doors to its storefront at 141 East German Street on June 15, after seven years in the location. Over the following four days, the business underwent a move to a location down the street, at 119 West German Street.

On Friday, the business opened its new doors to the public.

“It was a whole lot of work,” said owner Andrew Barton. “We’re not completely done yet, but everything essential to us selling and being in business is here.”

According to Barton, this is the second move his 11-year-old business has had to make. The reason for this move, to the former home of Dickinson & Wait Craft Gallery, is to enable the business to expand its inventory. The new location is over twice the size of his previous one.

“There’s so much music coming out constantly,” Barton said. “I’d like to improve our jazz, hip-hop and reggae selections. If I think I did a good job in upgrading those selections, they would be incredibly popular.”

Admiral Analog's Audio Assortment is now located at 119 West German Street. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

Currently, the shop carries a larger amount of records in the rock, pop, heavy metal, rap, country, blues and R’n’B genres. Barton said he anticipates these selections expanding, as well, since he now has room for it. The only genres he believes will not expand are international music and music in foreign languages.

However, that is all dependent on demand. Barton said he pays attention to changes in customer interests, as well as to what albums sell the best, to determine what to carry.

“I try to have a little bit of everything,” Barton said. “I listen to what people ask for. I take requests and special orders. I get mailings from my distributors of new releases, which often have lists of current best sellers.”

Although Admiral Analog’s is primarily a record store, it also carries CDs, cassette tapes, music-related clothing and accessories and players for the different kinds of musical recordings. Barton said he plans to build racks and shelves to better display these items and maximize the use of the space. He is currently thinking about turning the back section of the store into a display area for CD, cassette and record players, which would require an expansion in that kind of merchandise.

“People have been really enthusiastic and positive and supportive. So many have told me that I will get more foot traffic on this block,” Barton said.

Meg Robertson, of Alexandra, Va., checks out a band hoodie, as she browses through the albums at Admiral Analog's Audio Assortment on Saturday. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

He said he has signed a long lease for the space and plans to remain there for many years to come.

“Shepherdstown is a great place to be,” Barton said. “I grew up in the Hagerstown area and it wasn’t until I opened my store here that I experienced a sense of community for the first time. People care and look out for you here. After 11 years, that’s one of the things I like most about owning this store.”

A grand opening celebration is being planned for the end of the summer.

Admiral Analog's Audio Assortment was in 141 East German Street for seven years. Photo by Tabitha Johnston