Independent record retailer Rough Trade has announced that it will award its UK employees with a £50,000 profit bonus following a record financial year.
The payout, which is an enhancement of its existing profit-sharing model, will be distributed among its eligible employees through its August payroll. It will be shared among 110 employees, which is 93% of its UK workforce. Each member of staff’s payment is pro-rated based on length of service during the 2024 calendar year, with an average distribution of £454.55.
The bonus recognises exceptional employee contribution and underscores the retailer’s commitment to recognising staff contributions as integral to its growth and success.
In addition, Rough Trade has chosen to contribute 20% of net profits into this year’s bonus allocation fund, which reflects its strong financial performance and strategic milestones achieved last year. These include the openings of Rough Trade Liverpool in April and Rough Trade Denmark Street, London in October, as well as its most successful Record Store Day to date.
David Anderson, director of people and operations at Rough Trade, said: “Our team is the heart of everything we do. This bonus is more than a financial gesture, it’s an acknowledgment of the creativity, commitment and camaraderie that fuel our continued evolution as an independent music retailer.
“As we look ahead to our 50th anniversary in 2026, Rough Trade remains committed to delivering immersive, community-driven retail experiences, both in-store and online. Despite ongoing macroeconomic pressures, we continue to invest in staff development, operational innovation, and strategic growth across physical and digital platforms.”
Rough Trade has been an accredited real living wage employer since 2022. The ongoing commitment and pledge reflects its values around fairness, accountability, and meaningful support for its workforce.
