A well-known record and independent music store in Teesside has announced it will be closing at the end of this month in a heartbreaking social media post.

Sound It Out Records in Stockton-on-Tees has confirmed with “great sadness” that it will be closing its doors for good on August 31.

The store, on Yarm Street, is highly regarded as the only independent record shop in Teesside, and has amassed an impressive 8,000 followers online.

Read more: Emotional tribute to Stockton store owner after sudden death

The announcement comes just months after Sound It Out’s owner Tom Butchart, 50, sadly passed on June 9 in the shop despite the best effort of ambulance staff and colleagues.

Tom’s wife Clare Butchart said in the statement the closure of the business is partly down to the loss of Tom, saying the store was his “baby”.

The statement reads: “It is with great sadness I announce Sound It Out Records will cease trading from the 31st of August 2023. It has not been an easy decision.

The Northern Echo: Tom Butchart.Tom Butchart. (Image: Clare Butchart)

“The shop was Tom’s baby and his passion of which I am and always will be immensely proud. Sound It Out Records died with Tom that day.

“Tom’s memory will last forever in your hearts, memories and especially in the music you play.

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“Thank you all for your patience during this very difficult time.”

Followers flooded to the comments to express their upset at the news, saying they will “always remember Tom”.

Others simply said “thank you for the music”, paying tribute to the store that will evidently be missed by those who love it.

Tom was a popular figure in the Stockton scene and had what was described as an "encylopedic" knowledge of music.

The shop has only grown since it first opened in 1998, leading Tom to become the star of a documentary film named after his store. 

After his sudden death, his wife Clare penned a fitting tribute to Tom.

Ms Butchart said: "Thank you to everyone for the many kind, heartfelt messages we’ve received about Tom.

"There are so many of them which shows just how well loved and respected Tom was. We are utterly devastated at his loss but people’s kind words are a comfort to me and Tom’s family at this impossibly difficult time.

"We’d like to thank the paramedics and police who tried so hard to save Tom’s life and for their kindness in dealing with us in our shock.

"Also, to Mark and Shane who were at the shop at the time and resuscitated Tom until help arrived. We are forever grateful.

"Finally, thank you to the Northern Echo, Evening Gazette and other local news for the support they gave Tom and Sound It Out over the years. It meant the world to him."