Keynsham, UK | The vinyl curtain as Longwell Records quits Keynsham: Celebrated independent music store Longwell Records is leaving Keynsham. Having traded from Temple Street for almost 10 years, it has struggled financially in recent times and needs more customers to survive. Owner Iain Aitchison said the shop would be leaving Keynsham at the end of January and reopening in Clifton Arcade sometime in February. He described Keynsham as one of the best towns around, adding: “It’s heartbreaking but that’s the reality of a small business, especially a niche business like this.” Many customers have told Iain of their shock and sadness at the decision. One said on Facebook: “Wishing you all the very best in your new home but sad you’re going.” Another said: “Best of luck with the move and hope you have a brilliant final month in Keynsham.”
Amsterdam, DK | Amsterdam Vinyl Record Shops—A Definitive Crate Digger’s Trail: Outside of the UK, where are the best cities in Europe to go vinyl record hunting? Martin Gray takes time out to conduct a comprehensive store-by-store itinerary/tour of the plethora of record shops in his beloved city of Amsterdam, to reassert his belief that the cultural capital of the Netherlands is also an undisputed mecca for vinyl junkies. Mention Amsterdam to many and most people would think: sin city, hedonism central, weed capital of the world (sex and drugs and coffee shops, is that all your body needs?) and, of course, plenty of red lights. Oh, and conveniently overlook the fact that it has more museums per square mile than any other city in Europe, and when it comes to art and culture—both highbrow mainstream and underground grass roots—it leaves most cities more than twice its size in the shade.
Hitchin, UK | Meet the man behind Hitchin’s new record shop JP’s Records: A new record shop is coming to Hitchin, with the owner hoping to make it somewhere that people can “lose themselves in music.” JP’s Records is opening in the basement of Ronan’s Coffee at 50a Walsworth Road in February, with the Jack Perry, the man behind the business revealing more about his venture. “We will have a strong focus on rock, indie and pop, while still offering a broad mix of genres to encourage discovery,” he said. “The shop will stock a carefully curated selection of new and used vinyl, alongside vintage band T-shirts and other music-related bits. “It’s designed as a relaxed, welcoming space where people can spend time discovering new music, revisiting classics, finding that gem and chatting about music.
US | The best record stores thriving in major US cities: …Criminal Records (Atlanta, GA): Criminal Records in Atlanta is more than a record store; it’s a cultural staple. Known for its colorful decor and extensive vinyl collection, it attracts a diverse crowd of music lovers and comic enthusiasts. The store’s unique blend of music and pop culture creates an engaging atmosphere. Shoppers can browse through records, comics, and collectibles, enjoying the eclectic mix. The staff’s passion for music is evident, offering personalized recommendations for curious shoppers. Criminal Records is a beloved spot for those seeking a distinctive blend of music and culture in Atlanta.
Poughkeepsie, NY | Hudson Valley’s Darkside Records Settles Into New Home: For the past month, one of the Hudson Valley’s most iconic record stores has been welcoming customers into a brand new atmosphere. Darkside Records in Poughkeepsie, founded in 2011, opened its new glass doors on November 21, 2025. In its infancy, Darkside Records was located on Main Street in Poughkeepsie, before moving to 611 Dutchess Turnpike, where it lived for nearly a decade. Darkside’s new place, located at 32 Cannon Street in Poughkeepsie, will be the shop’s forever home. Besides already being a destination store for locals and tourists alike, this new location contains a multitude of features. For local music fans, this is literally music to their ears.
Paris, FR | Paris Record Shop Puts a Cat in Charge and the Instant Regret Is Too Real: A Paris record store let a cat sit on a crate of vinyl and then discovered what happens when customers cross into a cat’s personal radius. There’s a record store in Paris that didn’t exactly “appoint” a manager. There were no name tags given, no titles bestowed. However, they did let a cat perch on top of one of the most tempting spots in the store. One where customers are drawn to—thumbing through the records looking for their prized “white whale”. …No one rushed to move the cat as customers came though and did what customers do–stopping, browsing, reaching. The video shows how this decision plays out once people start crossing into the cat’s personal radius, where albums within arm’s reach suddenly operate under a very different set of rules. Take a look at this very different idea of “customer service.”
San Antonio, FL | One of San Antonio’s oldest record stores is going strong 60 years in: The family-owned business is a treasure trove for music lovers and a true San Antonio gem. Morning sun peeks through the trees behind a bubble gum pink and turquoise building, conspicuous and easily spotted as you drive up. A black cat—maybe Wally, Mousy, Patches, Cookie or Homie, who knows which—is walking leisurely across the roof. And as the door to Del Bravo Record Shop, one of the oldest continually-running record stores in San Antonio, swings open, the bright and brassy sounds of Tejano music come spilling out. Good luck trying not to tap your foot while perusing the rows and rows of vinyl records here. This is the way it has been on San Antonio’s Westside since Del Bravo Record Shop founders Salome and Diamantina Gutierrez opened the business 60 years ago.
Zooey Deschanel, A24 Teaming Up For New Record Store-Set Series: A24 is bringing Zooey Deschanel back to television, with their new record store-set series in development and set to go out to bid. Zooey Deschanel and A24 are teaming up for a new series, along with Entertainment 360. Hollywood is buzzing for the proposed project, as Deadline is reporting that multiple suitors for the show are lining up to bid on it. Deschanel will star and executive-produce from a script by Matt Hausfater. The series is reportedly set inside a flagship record store. The bidding will begin on Monday, the day after the town is together for this year’s Golden Globes ceremony.
Madison, WI | Is physical media making a comeback in Madison? Local business owners have noticed a shift. Frustrated by streaming services for movies and music, many locals are turning back to DVDs, records and other physical media. In the 2010s, video stores in Madison—and across the country—were closing en masse, following the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Record stores also began to fall out of favor with customers as Pandora and Spotify emerged as cheap, on-demand music sources. Now, the tide seems to be reversing: Owners of local video and record stores have noticed a renewed interest in renting and buying instead of streaming. Library checkout numbers for film and music offerings have increased. As Madisonians grow weary of large streaming services, some are turning back to physical media. Marian Herzog is one such Madisonian. A millennial, Herzog grew up in the golden age of DVDs and developed a fondness for physical media—she even owns a shirt that says “physical media forever.”
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