Like countless other businesses across the country, independent record stores have been hit hard by coronavirus-related restrictions. But according to a new Rolling Stone report, Nashville’s beloved Grimey’s New & Preloved Music is weathering the storm, thanks to an assist from Taylor Swift.
Swift is reportedly supplying the store with money for each employee as well as three months’ worth of healthcare.
“We were very surprised, and I would have to say amazed, that Taylor Swift reached out to us through her publicist to offer some relief during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Grimey’s co-owner Doyle Davis told Rolling Stone. “I didn’t even know we were on her radar, but she really stepped up to help after the recent tornadoes that struck Nashville and middle Tennessee, and now she’s trying to help a beloved small business in her city.”
“Taylor generously offered some direct relief to my staff and to cover three months of our health care costs for our group-insurance plan,” he added. “It’s a huge deal to us, and now I have some peace of mind as we apply for [Small Business Association] loans to pay rent, vendors, and other expenses. This assistance from Ms. Swift helps give us a real shot at coming back on the other side of this.”
“It’s incredibly heartening and totally surreal that Taylor Swift has offered to help us out in such a significant way,” Grimey’s buyer Will Orman told the publication. “With so much uncertainty about what lies ahead, we’re deeply grateful to be able to look forward to returning to the store and continuing to share music and connect with our community, thanks to Taylor’s generous support.”
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