After over 10 years of rocking, the iconic Annex record store Sonic Boom will be rolling down to Kensington Market to open up its second location. The upcoming shop at 201 Augusta Avenue — currently preparing for an early August opening — will sell only vinyls and casual vintage wear and accessories, store owner Jeff Barber tells us.
"The Annex is my favorite neighborhood in Toronto, but Kensington is a close second," he says.
It’s an emotional time for Barber, who is preparing to move Sonic Boom’s original stock to Toronto’s bargain landmark Honest Ed’s. He’s frustrated about being kicked off his corner to make room for yet another Dollarama, but opening up a new location in his second most trusted neighborhood could be the silver lining.
Barber is hopeful that the tradition of showcasing live bands — like Sam Roberts Band, Nada Surf, Broken Social Scene, and Lights — will continue at both Honest Ed’s and the Augusta location.
He’s aiming to get Kensington’s Sonic Boom ready for the first week of August. As for the original location, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart will be the last band to play there on August 1.
Sonic Boom, 201 Augusta Ave.