Rough Trade is a British independent record label and music retailer, founded in 1976 by Geoff Travis. It became known for promoting alternative and indie music, helping to launch the careers of various artists and bands. The label has a reputation for its eclectic roster, which includes genres like punk, post-punk, and indie rock. In addition to its label activities, Rough Trade operates several record shops in the UK and the US. These stores are celebrated for their curated selection of vinyl records, CDs, and music merchandise, fostering a community for music lovers and supporting emerging artists.