Anja Petitto moved to Hastings 5yrs ago from London with the intention of setting up her own record shop wherever she ended up choosing to live – and it just happened to be in St Leonards on Sea. 

” I’ve had various job in the music industry over the years, and opening my own shop felt like the best use of all my acquired knowledge and skills. I’m a rock music specialist predominantly, ranging from indie to heavy psyche, metal and everything in between. I also stock Nordic music, Neoclassical, Electronic, Soundtracks focusing on new releases and reissues. I also serve coffee, sell band merch, artist prints, books, and gifts and provide a record cleaning service. “

IG/FB: Tough Love St Leonards Website: www.Toughlove.shop 

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🤔 Who should be on the next CC feature?

What is the best thing about running a record shop? Why do you do it?

“I get to listen to great music of my choosing, and talk about music with like minded people all day. I do it because I’ve always been obsessed with music, I’m a fan and collector first, then a businesswoman!”

How do you stay connected with the local music community and support emerging artists?

“I host regular in-store events by local artists, I stock their music in my Local Legends section, sell their merchandise and advertise all the local events, as well as attending local shows regularly, we have a thriving music scene here in Hastings and St Leonards, that I’m continually amazed by.”

Have you ever organised any unique events or themed parties in your store to celebrate music?

“We celebrated Twin Peaks Day last year in conjunction with a local Tattoo studio, Spreadeagle Tattoo, we did coffee and doughnuts, sold some Twin Peaks soundtracks, and had a local DJ called Wyndham Earle play, it was excellent!”

Are there any local, independent artists whose records you always keep in stock?

“My bestselling record of 2022 was Aircooled, a local supergroup, so I always try to have them in stock. The other is Kid Kapichi, who are also an excellent local band who just played at Glastonbury Festival and are taking the UK and world by storm right now!”

Are there any records that you regret selling or wish you still had in your store?

“I had a near mint first UK pressing of The Pixies – Doolittle that I wish I’d kept for myself! It went to a good home though at least.”