Jacksonville, IL | Pizza Records Officially Announces Move to Downtown Square Location: Jacksonville’s only dedicated record store made a major announcement last night. Pizza Records, located in Gillham House announced where their next store front will be. The building sold earlier this summer when co-owners Colleen & Tim Flinn decided to consolidate their storefronts of their own businesses on East Central Park Plaza. New ownership of the Gillham House have new intentions for the building, and retail tenants began finding new storefronts as early as June. One of the final remaining tenants, Pizza Records, says they have struck a deal with Rabbi Rob Thomas to move into 59 Central Park Plaza, the former Denney Jewelers location. Pizza Records co-owners Devin & Heather Smock say that the new location will offer an expanded record store and entertainment venue.
Ogden, UT | Ogden Record Shop Lavender Vinyl Fosters LGBTQ+ Community: Thirty-two-year-old Kye Hallows has worked in music stores for half his life. He’s no longer surprised when he meets people who have never seen a vinyl record. Kye co-owns Lavender Vinyl, a record shop on Ogden’s historic 25th street where over 10,000 vinyl records (neatly arranged by genre) are for sale. On the store’s turntable, known as the listening station, customers can preview used records. “I show somebody how to work it at least once a week,” Kye said. Other passersby come in out of nostalgia. As people browse the records, they often share memories of concerts long ago and family members since passed. “I hear all kinds of stories,” Kye said. “You just see that spark on their face.” Upending any notion that vinyl records and storefronts belong to the past, Lavender Vinyl is celebrating seven years in business this July, with plans to expand already underway. But to Kye and many loyal customers, the store’s success is about more than records. It’s about fostering community and supporting people who identify as LGBTQ+.
Sussex, UK | Vinyl revival helps South Downs record shop owner to ‘live the dream.’ A music-lover who began collecting records at car boot sales when he was 13 is now ‘living the dream’ by running his own record shop. And James Anderson credits a vinyl revival for boosting business at the South Downs shop – Slipped Discs in Steyning High Street. “The shop has an extensive selection of pre-loved collectable vinyl and there is a strong focus on quality control as I try to provide records in the best condition possible,” says James. All pre-loved discs are cleaned on a professional record cleaning machine manufactured by Steyning company SME Audio. James – who has a 1st Class BA (Hons) degree in music production – obtains records from personal collections as well as main distributors. “When buying used items, we pay according to demand, rarity and condition,” he says.
Ossining, NY | Den of Wax: DIY Record Shop Seeks To Catalyze Hudson Valley: Matt and Diana Friedman have proudly recognized the Hudson Valley’s transformation into a haven for local artists and independent business owners seeking to make positive contributions to the vibrant community. Seeking to further catalyze the community with Den of Wax, a DIY record shop and label, the Friedmans not only wanted to bring their passion for vinyl to Ossining but answer their question of what they could do to sustain the Hudson Valley’s music and arts community. “I grew up going to a lot of shows at venues like 7 Willow Street and supporting shops like Trash in Danbury. I would always get an endorphin-like kick from record hunting and just sharing that excitement of discovering new music with people. My wife Diana and I returned to the area after living in Brooklyn for years and we’ve been excited to see all the positive growth in the Hudson Valley.”
MD | 10 Best Record Stores in Maryland! The record stores in Maryland have a well-stocked selection of vinyl offerings. Those looking to add to their collections can browse through a wide variety of genres, from classic rock to the best of current indie artists. Music aficionados will be delighted to explore the 10 record stores in the Free State and find a hidden gem. Joe’s Record Paradise, Silver Spring, MD: Welcome to the coolest music experience! in Silver Spring. Their delightful assortment of records covers every genre imaginable, from Rock to Jazz to Country and beyond. Come get lost in the mind-blowing sounds of 12″ singles, and inspect a diverse array of music from around the world. Whether you’re looking for a classic or something new, it’s all here…
Laconia, NH | What’s old is cool, agree both shoppers and purveyors of vinyl albums: Last summer, the Lakes Region suddenly had two places to buy vinyl records, with Defiant Records & Craft Beer and NH Vintage Vinyl doing business on either side of Canal Street in downtown Laconia. Some asked if the region could support two record stores, when it so recently had none. It turns out that was the wrong question. The better query would have been: How many more record stores does the region need? Because, as of this summer, the Lakes Region’s count of vinyl dealers is now doubled, with the opening of Full Circle Vinyl on Main Street in Meredith, and with Old’s Cool relocating from Plymouth to the Senter’s Market plaza in Center Harbor. …“I guess I’m nostalgic—or I yearn for the nostalgia,” said Artie Emmett, a 19-year-old from Dover who found several albums at NH Vintage Vinyl. Two were vinyl records — “Fresh Cream” by Cream, and “Jubilee” by Japanese Breakfast, albums separated by about six decades — and the rest were CDs.
Colorado Springs, CO | Independent Records in Colorado Springs set to close after 45 years in business: A beloved local record store in Colorado Springs will soon close its doors after 45 years in southern Colorado. The announcement came recently on the business’ Facebook page that the last remaining location on Academy will close as a result of multiple challenges, such as owner Orville Lambert’s poor health, recent financial shortfalls and a slowdown in business due to the pandemic as well as the store’s move from its longtime location on Platte Avenue to Academy Boulevard. Manager Hollie Sherwood said she felt devastated by the news. “I felt crushed, for myself, for the community,” Sherwood said. “I can’t imagine Colorado Springs without this in its life. Yeah, I was definitely heartbroken.”
Claddagh Records announces new book celebrating founder and Guinness heir Garech Browne: The book, titled Real to Reel: Garech Browne & Claddagh Records by James Morrissey, will chronicle Browne’s life and legacy, and his lifelong quest to preserve Ireland’s musical and spoken-word heritage. Legendary Dublin record label Claddagh Records has announced the release of a new book, Real to Reel: Garech Browne & Claddagh Records by James Morrissey. Available 29th September 2023, the book will depict the life of the Guinness heir and his commitment to preserving Ireland’s musical and spoken-word heritage in establishing Claddagh Records. It will also feature many previously unpublished photographs, giving readers a glimpse into his extraordinary world. Lauded as an “unprecedented insight into the life of one of Ireland’s most intriguing features”, the book was written in collaboration with those who knew Browne best.
Enfield, CT | Music Institution In Enfield To Close After Four Decades In Business: Music Outlet began at the old Enfield Outlet Mall, and will soon conclude a lengthy run in the Hazard Trade Mart. One of the longest-tenured small retail stores in Enfield, “a mecca for music collectors” as described by one loyal customer, will soon be shutting its doors after four decades in business. Music Outlet, which debuted in the Enfield Outlet Mall in the early 1980s, has posted a large sign reading, “Store Closing – 20% Off Sale.” Items included in the clearance include in-stock inventory such as new and used CDs, vinyl albums and supplies, posters, DVDs, guitar accessories and much more. The sale is slated to run through Oct. 29, according to the sign. Owner Gary Cabot, who is retiring, has long been renowned for carrying hard-to-find items, including imports and out-of-print releases. As the store slogan says, in part, “If we don’t have it in stock, we can likely get it for you … And remember, buying albums in record stores is cool.”
