A new force in the independent retail sector looks set to emerge following the sale of a significant portion of the Andys Records chain.

Eastbourne-based Powerplay Direct is in the process of buying four of the remaining 21 stores operated by Andys Records, which went in to administration last month after more than 30 years of business.

Powerplay chief executive Colin Bassett says, "For the time being, the stores will carry on as they are. Longer term we would like ...