By Ted Perkins

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The Hollywood Theatre will be getting some new neighbors this spring. Lots of them. In addition to Laughing Planet landing just down the street, Little Axe Records, Pat’s Pantry, Ray’s Ragtime and Vivienne Kitchen & Pantry will all be opening their doors near the theater in the coming weeks.

Warren Hill and Jed Bindeman will be moving their Little Axe Records shop from the northern edge of the Beaumont neighborhood to the former Celtic Corner space west of Atomic Pizza at 4142 N.E. Sandy Blvd. The Celtic Corner’s Noel Hislop retired in March and closed his Hollywood landmark after 23 years at the location.

Little Axe has been in business since August of 2010, starting in Hill and Bindeman’s garage on Northeast 14th and Beech. They opened their first retail spot in 2012 at Northeast 28th and Alberta and were there for three years before moving to the former Patty Smith West space, next door to Everest Market, a little over a year ago.

“We offer a diverse and interesting mix of used records and tapes in a welcoming atmosphere, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets,” said Hill. “We are always buying collections, big and small, and want to encourage our new neighbors to bring in their records and tapes for a good, fair price or trade. Our focus is almost exclusively on used product, and most of our energy is spent on ensuring that a steady flow of affordable and eclectic inventory is stocking our shelves. What makes us special is that we are two people with distinct interests and areas of expertise, which helps us maintain an exceptional and curated selection.”

“We couldn’t resist an opportunity to be in the same building as the Hollywood Theatre,” said Hill. “We think it’s a great fit. We are going to change our hours around a little so people can come by the shop when they are going to the movies, too. There’s just something about records and movies that feels right, and we’re really looking forward to being in the Hollywood neighborhood.”

Hill moved to North Portland from Montreal in 2008 to work on the Mississippi Records label that he co-founded with Eric Isaacson. Bindeman moved to Portland ten years ago and has lived in Northeast Portland for nine years.

“It’s my favorite part of the city,” said Bindeman. “With so many unique neighborhoods and great food, not to mention a huge number of interesting artists and musicians living in close proximity to each other.”

“The Hollywood Theatre is a big favorite of ours,” said Hill. “Du’s Grill is incredible, and both of us already eat there multiple times a week. Blackwell’s Grub Steak Grill is always good for a drink, and you can’t forget about Sam’s Billiards.”

“I grew up in a house where the walls were lined with records and books, so the collector gene is definitely in my blood,” said Bindeman. “I’ve been selling records online for over ten years. Six years ago I sold a stack of CDRs by an obscure folk band for a good amount of money. That freed up some time and money to more seriously pursue selling records as a full time venture. Warren and I were roommates at the time, and decided to pool our resources and start up shop in the garage. Five years later and we’re still going strong, with bigger and better things to come at our new location.”

For more information about Little Axe, call 503-320-3656 or visit www.littleaxerecords.com.

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