The COVID-19 pandemic has cut short the lifetime of yet another renowned music brand. Brooklyn record store Halcyon‘s owners have announced that they must discontinue operations indefinitely following 20 years in business.
Management had announced on March 13th that the shop would temporarily close to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. “As we look back on the past 20 years, we are grateful to have served the Brooklyn community and beyond for so long,” reads a May 13th statement. “We have come to the decision that it is now time that we close our doors for the foreseeable future, but we do hope to re-open in the future when the time is right.”
Halcyon first opened on September 9th, 1999. In the two decades since, they’ve catered especially to fans of hip-hop and electronic music with their selection of vinyl records. As reported by Big Shot Magazine, the store occupied spaces in Carroll Gardens, Dumbo and defunct nightclub Output‘s Williamsburg location. Its latest incarnation also recently hosted performances by the likes of Ellen Allien and Mr. C.
Halcyon’s management ended their announcement with a message of hope. “Music is our culture’s heartbeat that carries us all through the good, the bad, the exceptional and the mundane,” they wrote. “We encourage you all to keep Halcyon’s heartbeat going in your homes, your hearts and your lives, always.”