3 things you might have missed from Universal’s Q3 earnings call: …One of the more impressive (and surprising) numbers in UMG’s Q3 earnings was a 23.1% YoY jump in revenue from physical music sales, growing to €341 million (USD $398.31 million) in the quarter. UMG attributed this particularly to initial shipments of Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl and “strength in new releases, particularly in Japan.” That makes it sound like a one-off; after all, Japan is known for music fans that have steadfastly hung on to physical music through the digital revolution, and Taylor Swift is, well, Taylor Swift. But on the earnings call, UMG CFO Matthew Ellis suggested that this is more than a one-off—physical sales might actually be a source of growth going forward.
West Parley, UK | Record store with ‘a bit of everything’ opens at antique shop: A new trader at an antique shop is hoping to bring a memorable shopping experience to music lovers. The latest trader at Room 1553 Antiques and Collectables, in West Parley, is selling vinyl, cassette tapes and all things old-school physical media. Kevin Mitchell, 62, said: “I’ve always liked vinyl (records), like a lot of people. “I started with antiques and stuff like that, but I’ve always wanted to have somewhere where I could trade records.” Room 1553 is owned by Steve and Lisa Tydeman, which hosts a bevy of traders who sell antiques, vintage clothing and gifts. Kevin began trading at the antique dealership at the beginning of September and has thoroughly enjoyed the experience so far. Tucked away in a cosy corner of the antique shop, the record store boasts more than 1,200 records spanning all genres and tastes.
Cheyenne, WY | Favorite Cheyenne vinyl record store has a new owner: There once was a used bookstore in downtown Cheyenne. However, bookstores are harder to find these days, as people are reading on their tablets and mobile devices. The owner notices that there has been a resurgence in vinyl records. Used and classic records are popular. So he moved the books out, the records in, and changed the name to Downtown Vinyl. A few years later, he retired and sold the store with the new owner packing it with records, cassettes, and 8-track tapes along with players. Now he has sold the store to yet another, and he just took it over on Halloween of 2025. “As of 1000 this morning Chuck and I became the former owners of Downtown Vinyl. It has been our pleasure to meet all of the great customers/friends and wish you all the best. We leave Downtown Vinyl in great hands, please keep supporting John as we know he will do great things for the store…”
A Morecambe, UK | Popular Morecambe record shop up for sale: Eden Music on Skipton Street, Morecambe, was formerly Vintage Vinyl on Albert Road, which relocated in 2019. Paula Baker and her husband Mark opened Vintage Vinyl in Albert Road in 2014, but they outgrew the space, and needed larger premises to accommodate their huge vinyl collection. The husband and wife partnership enabled them to open a unique, nostalgic and very chaotic record shop, selling pre-loved vinyl, cassettes, CD’s, equipment and memorabilia. The business grew from a deep-routed passion for all genres of music. …“Mark and I have now made the decision to retire. We have true mixed feelings; there is a sadness to ending an era of playing music every day, meeting amazingly interesting people, and learning so much from so many, to being excited for new adventures and new horizons, being able to spend more time with family, and stepping closer to our dream for off-grid living!”
Conway, AR | Once just a small vinyl record store, Full Moon Records in Conway is now a thriving hub for the local music scene: Conway, a city with a large population of young people thanks to its three colleges, has long struggled to provide its youthful residents with a permanent place for local, live music. The city has several art galleries, both on and off college campuses, and a monthly art walk, but for years has sorely lacked a place where people can gather and see a show that isn’t a country act at a bar. Enter Full Moon Records, a vinyl record store that doubles as an all-ages, DIY music venue on the weekends and has become the nexus of a burgeoning local music scene. Full Moon Records began in early 2021 as a series of humble pop-up shops around Central Arkansas, where owner Justin Dunn would temporarily set up shelves of records for people to flip through, before moving into a permanent location on downtown Conway’s Front Street later that year.
Okotoks, AB | Tipper Records set to close doors, eyes relocation in new year: A popular vintage music store will be closing its doors at the end of November. Tipper Records, located at 18 McRae Street in Okotoks, has recently announced its departure and plan for future relocation. According to owner and founder Jaica Tipper, they’re anticipating their last day on McRae Street won’t be until Dec. 14. “We’ll probably be closed for a few months, and we’re hoping to reopen very early into the new year,” Tipper said. “It’s obviously a matter of if we can find a place that suits us in that time frame, but we’ll keep everybody updated on Facebook and Instagram.” She originally founded Tipper Records in May 2022 at the age of 17. It all began at the Hidden Gem in Stockton Business Park, when a bit of retail space opened and she was offered the opportunity to make use of the area.
Tampa, FL | Singer-songwriter Denison Witmer plays a record store gig in Tampa next month: Sufjan Stevens produced Witmer’s latest album, ‘Anything At All.’ Record shop concerts may seem scarce these days, but store owners that hold them never say die. Microgroove’s Keith Ulrey—who also drums for legendary local emo band Pohgoh—is notorious for hosting release parties and punk shows in his almost 14-year-old store, and next up on his stage is Pennsylvania-bred troubadour Denison Witmer, in the midst of a southeast solo tour. The 49-year-old’s longtime friend and collaborator Sufjan Stevens has had a rough few years, with the death of his partner and his diagnosis with Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that forced him to relearn how to walk. But before shit hit the fan, he produced Witmer’s new album Anything At All.
Tinley Park, IL | More Vinyl, Artists And Space: Vinyl Market Returns To Tinley Park Brewery. The 4th annual Vinyl Market features 39 vendors coming to Soundgrowler Brewing on Nov. 8. Soundgrowler Brewing in Tinley Park is turning up the volume for the fourth annual Vinyl Market this Saturday, Nov. 8, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Responding to overwhelming community enthusiasm and vendor demand, the brewery is opening part of its back production space to nearly double the number of artists and vinyl vendors featured last year—bringing a total of 39 curated vendors to the fan-favorite event. Located at 8201 183rd St., Soundgrowler will welcome vinyl collectors, music enthusiasts, and artisan market fans for a one-day only celebration of vinyl culture, handmade goods, food, and craft beer. …“As soon as last year’s event ended, patrons told us they wanted even more vinyl—and we listened.”
Albany, NY | The Albany Record Riot! Sun Nov 9th, 10 AM-4 PM at the Polish Community Center. The Albany Record RIot RETURNS! It’s a MASSIVE vinyl record POP-UP sale! Over 60 dealer tables in one room! Great music and family fun. 10 AM-4 PM LPs, CDs and 45s. Door prizes too! Don’t miss it! A giant record store lands in Albany! Dealers from far and wide converge for a giant music sale! LPs and 45s and CDs too. All types of music from punk to funk to country to classic rock, hip hop, soul/jazz and more. Dust off that turntable and come on down. GREAT DOOR PRIZES! Regular admission starts at 10 AM ($5) with early admission at 9 AM ($15). Delicious Polish food too. Great music all day! Don’t miss the BIG VINYL DIG!
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