Around the mid-1980s, riding high on the success of The Smiths, Rough Trade decided to get into the distribution system. They were trying use their position to give other indie labels a leg up in the competitive distribution world, but unfortunately it soon became apparent that Rough Trade had taken on too much. Rough Trade Distribution went bust 1990, the label went with it. The collapse of Rough Trade Distribution was also a tragedy for other indie labels who worked with them, and several other smaller labels went under aswell. Rough Trade made an effort to get refinanced a couple of years ago and start over again with One Little Indian. This relationship wasn't working for Rough Trade due to their culture and the way they work. It didn't fit in with Rough Trades ideals and the way they had always worked. Rough Trade was a small handful of people. It was a cooperative collective from the beginning to end . It was collective because it wasn't a traditional workplace. There were not bosses . People were payed equally. There was a political purpose to Rough Trade as they built a distribution system in this country which took a lot of organization . Rough Trade were interested in characters and individuals.
They were looking for the best people.A stifled independent music scene was gradually giving way to what would go on to be recognised as ‘indie’ The Smiths, found themselves at the front of the emerging scene. Before that, Rough Trade was seen as a post-punk label, but when Geoff signed The Smiths it becamemore mainstream and The Smiths became one of the biggest bands ever. Specialising in vinyl, foreign imports, and punk and reggae music, Rough Trade was – and still is – considered by many as revolutionary and unique. Other small labels were few and far between and had only a relatively small impact on the overall music business in comparison.
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