Shop to reopen in Burlington, Conn.

By Theresa Knapp

 UPTON - The Nevermind Shop, a vinyl and vintage store in Upton Center, will close its doors for good on Oct. 19.

Shop owner Mick Lawless made the announcement in a Facebook reel on Sept. 19. “A programming note going forward, I want to thank each and every one of you guys out there for 16 absolutely fantastic, wonderful years here in Upton. The Nevermind Shop will be closing its doors in Upton as of Saturday, Oct. 19.”

In an interview with the Upton & Mendon Free Press, Lawless said, “It’s kind of somber and it’s kind of sad but, at the same time, I really am looking forward to new adventures and maybe laying the same foundation in [Burlington] Connecticut for the same kinds of things we did in Upton. I have a feeling we’ll make it work just fine.” 

This little shop opened in Upton Center in 2008. Lawless lived in Milford and had operated a similar shop in Hudson until that building was sold. He said, “I just stumbled across a ‘For Rent’ sign in Upton in November 2008, called it up, and the rest is history.” 

The shop’s motto is “It’s Worth The Trip!,” and Lawless said he is proud to have made “one of the smallest towns in the Metrowest community into a destination, in addition to the Country Sooper…I think we did a good job being there for people, we did good for the community.” 

Lawless said several factors contributed to the shop’s closure, including inevitable roadwork in Upton Center (and possible displacement), a new personal relationship based in Connecticut, along with other opportunities that have arisen for him. 

The lifelong musician says he is in his 60s and thinking about his “next act.” 

“I am still very much playing music and I think I have many more opportunities [in Conn.] that will benefit me a little bit better than in the Metrowest area,” giving him opportunities in New York, New Jersey, Conn., and still in Boston. 

Lawless is also the Program Director for live365.com’s “Monkee Mania Radio,” a free internet station “celebrating the music of The Monkees and so much more.” He says, “I think in Connecticut, I can make a go of these things and make them flourish like I did here in Upton.”  

There is still time to visit this little shop where you’ll find music and sports collectibles, and crates and crates (and more crates) of vinyl - everything from Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello, The Ramones, Madonna, AC/DC, vintage Boston/local bands - and anything else music-related. There is something interesting – and nostalgic - at every turn, including vintage t-shirts, posters, and even an old Atari 400. 

 “I will miss my fan base, it’s very sad to be leaving after 16 years,” said Lawless. “People who were purely customers have become great friends, and I’ve built up a really good thing and some of the highlights over the years have been the Record Store Day events where we would have 30 to 40 people waiting outside the door for special deals. We were their choice and we were their store, and I can’t thank all my customers enough.” 

Lastly, Lawless said, “Our motto is ‘It’s Worth The Trip!” and that phrase is punctuated a lot more now. If anyone wants to make the two-hour drive, it’s still worth the trip!” 

The Nevermind Shop will honor any outstanding credit through Oct. 19.

For more information on the move, including the full announcement, visit @thenevermindshop on Facebook.