New independent Windsor shop was a ‘challenge and a dream’ for hi-fi specialist

The owner of a new independent hi-fi shop in Windsor says opening his first store has been a ‘challenge and a dream’.

Windsor Audio, located on 35 Alexandra Road, is ‘very music-centric’ and has been open to ‘music lovers’ for three weeks.

After nearly 40 years working in hi-fi retail and managing a High Wycombe store, Ronnie Hand-Kammer decided ‘now is the time’ to open his own venue.

“This is the first time I’ve ever done it for myself,” he told the Express.

“I’ve always loved Windsor as a town – I used to come here as a child, and I saw the shop a few years ago, and thought it would be great as a hi-fi shop.

“I think it’s the perfect location outside the bustle of the town centre.”

The shop unit and converted basement comprise three demonstration rooms that showcase affordable and high-end products such as turntables and music streamers.

“You can sit in the living room experience and feel the difference between the products,” said the 63-year-old.

“You feel like you’re buying your experiences for the right reason.

“We make it very simple and non-techy, without being talked down to. We’re selling the finest British hi-fi.

“We don’t bombard people with tech-talk because they don’t want it. We keep it simple, and that’s the key.”

Ronnie’s passion for audio equipment started during his childhood, but he worked different jobs before discovering hi-fi retail.

“My love for music started by playing records on my granny’s radiogram and trying to fix it,” he said.

“Then I started working in audio, and I thought this isn’t a job – this is pleasurable because I was meeting lots of people that were like-minded and that really makes this job not feel like a job.”

Ronnie said he is ‘happiness motivated’ as the most satisfaction he derives is seeing people happy when they buy audio equipment.

“It’s not the transaction – it’s seeing people get more out of their music collection,” he added.

“It’s for people of all ages who love music.

“It’s a great hobby. The person who buys hi-fi from me is not normally a hi-fi lover – they’re a music lover.”

Being in control of creating the best environment for people to shop has been a ‘massive challenge and a dream’ for the new shop owner.

But the Windsor residents visiting his shop in recent weeks have been ‘wonderful’.

“That’s part of the reason I moved to run the shop here – it’s just lovely going to work here because it’s a lovely community in Windsor,” he added.

“I feel like I’ve been embraced already by the community.”

Opening hours at Windsor Audio are Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm. Visit windsoraudio.co.uk for more information.