In a world obsessed by change, one modest York Road terrace stands upright and unmoving, a beacon of continuity for all those who pass by. For thirty years, The Polar Bear has served as a haven for local musos, providing them with a space in which to indulge their passions and connect with like-minded individuals. Off-beat in its approach and unassuming in its brilliance, this place is far more than just a record store: it’s a community.
Having started life as part of a nationwide franchise, primarily focused on the sale of CDs, The Polar Bear has evolved progressively alongside its customers, making it the last, out of six sister stores, to still be in operation today. This is due – at least in part – to the shop’s owner, Steve Bull, whose passion for the business would appear to know no bounds. A lifelong music nerd, and Bob Dylan super fan, Steve first began working in record stores back in the early 1990s, following a three-year stint in the army. But it wasn’t until 1993 that he was handed the keys to his very own shop, right at the heart of a bustling York Road.
Bolstered by an inclusive community and its thriving local arts scene, it wasn’t long before The Polar Bear had become something of a neighbourhood landmark, famed for the impressive diversity of its stock, and the encyclopaedic knowledge of its owner. Unlike many others of its kind, this was not a store that dealt in nostalgia, choosing instead to be guided by the music of today, as well as those who bought it. Keen to ensure the development of his collection, Steve took to sharing an assortment of new releases online every Friday: a weekly tradition that is still adhered to by the team. In fact, it was thanks to quirks like this one, and the conversations they’d invite, that The Polar Bear would soon begin to outgrow the conventional business model, mutating into a force that went well beyond Kings Heath.
But all this can mean little when faced with a cost-of-living crisis and selling a luxury to customers without much cash to spare. The rippling effects of an economy in turmoil have been felt sharply by this small neighbourhood business, whose trusted suppliers have had no choice but to hike their prices in order to stay afloat. And yet, The Polar Bear remains intact. Confronted with challenges that have – at times – seemed insurmountable, Steve has never once wavered in his approach, working to establish his shop as a place where human connection is valued; where strangers can become friends through nothing more than a shared love of music. That, he confirms, is reward enough for him.
Favourite Kings Heath business(es)?
When asked which of the Kings Heath businesses he was particularly fond of, Steve was quick to credit local bookstores, The Heath Bookshop and How Brave Is the Wren, for bringing what he believes is a fresh and exciting perspective to the area.
You can find The Polar Bear online or at their Kings Heath location: 10 York Road, Kings Heath, B14 7RZ.
Opening hours for World Record Store Day: 9.00am – 6.00pm.
by Evie Wynne