PORTSMOUTH — Skele-Tone Records opened a year ago Feb. 14. One year strong, owner Todd Radict welcomes regulars and visitors from all over New England.

“There’s just no shop like this around New England any more,” Radict said. “I wanted this place to be like the record shops were when I lived in New York City.”

Skele-Tone Records at 130 Congress St. sells vinyl, cassettes, CDs and record players. Radict also specializes in alternative fashions and there is a wide selection of vintage shoes for men and women. There are also rock posters.

Radict, a native of Somersworth, has been known in the area for some time as a musician. His first band was Fire Balls of Power. He is still in a band, called Uprisers. “We sound like the Clash,” he said. “Al Barr, later of Dropkick Murphys, is a friend. He’s always dropping into the store.”

Skele-Tone has a vast selection of new and vintage T-shirts featuring punk bands, jazz musicians, reggae artists and retro styles.

“I wanted a store like the way things used to be,” Radict said. “Portsmouth used to be a real center for music of all kinds. Now, the scene is mostly in Dover, but Portsmouth has my store and Bull Moose. We have great synergy between the two stores.”

Most of the clothing is punk rock inspired, but there are also new alternative styles. Radict said many of his regulars are teenagers and young adults who don’t want the “mall” look. “There are lots of kids out there who want alternative options,” he said. “They want to look different and they’re really into the music.”

Radict said he boasts the largest collection of cassettes in the region. He does all the buying himself and will buy from customers, but suggests they call first to make sure he will be around and not on a buying trip.

“There used to be shops like mine in Boston, but the rents got too high,” he said. “I’m worried that this is happening to Portsmouth, too. People come to Portsmouth because we have unique stores, not national chains.”

The large selection of $1 records range from Chicago, the Eagles, Dire Straits, Fleetwood Mac to reggae and punk.

“I do accept donations and I do buy items,” Radict said. “I have on display various rock ’n roll memorabilia that really interests people, including a pair of platform boots from the New York Dolls and rings from Sid and Nancy.”

There is a selection of faux fur jackets for men and women and vintage and new funky bags. Radict also stocks antique rock pins, studded bracelets, jewelry and punk tights.

“I have a low rent (for this area) and I like the location because it’s on the main drag and close to Bull Moose,” Radict said. “It’s also right next to Joe’s Pizza, which is a big hangout for the kids who like to come here.”

Until March, everything in Skele-Tone is discounted 20 percent off the original price. Radict said he’s pleased to have such loyal customers.

“They like to come in and swap music stories,” he said. “I worked at CBGB’s in New York back in the Ramones era. It’s great to talk this with people who were there or who want to know what it was like.”

Radict has one employee who is a volunteer. “She’s like my angel,” he said. “She just walked in the door and volunteered. I couldn’t do it without her.”

“I love it here,” said volunteer Britney Noyes. “My most favorite thing in life is music and this is a great store and hub. I love working with people, helping them find a great album and talking about music.”

Two loyal customers, Fallon McDonald and Brianno Brocato, try to make it down from Farmington as often as they can. “This is just the coolest store,” said McDonald, who purchasing a new top. “Everything is unique and different. It’s just not always easy to get here if you not old enough to drive.”

Radict is relying on regulars and newcomers to keep his business going. “I wish I could be more optimistic about the economy,” he said, “but at least people can come in and get some great music and clothing at seriously affordable prices.”

Radict’s band, Uprisers, will play Feb. 17 with Jabbers in Somersworth. For more information, visit www.thejabbers.com or contact Radict at Skele-Tone Records.

Owner: Todd Radict Address: 130 Congress St., Portsmouth Phone: 319-8023 Web: www.skele-tone.com Hours: Monday to Friday, noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 8 p.m., Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Skele-Tone Records