UK | Record Store Day 2026 in Scotland: When is it, Scottish participating shops, available records, how to buy, and can you buy online? Vinyl sales are continuing to increase every year—meaning that this year’s event is likely to be bigger than ever. Record Store Day has become a major event for vinyl lovers since the inaugural event in the US in 2007 sold barely more than 10 different limited edition pressings by artists including Death Cab for Cutie, R.E.M. and Stephen Malkmus. Now over 200 independent record stores across the UK take part each year, selling thousands of copies of exclusive vinyl, from new releases to old classics. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s event.
UK | The wee gig lowdown: A Record Store Day 2026 special. Here’s where you’ll be able to catch some live music while you empty your wallet on precious vinyl. For this month’s Wee Gig Lowdown, we’re highlighting a few of the record stores going big with free performances and artist showcases on Record Store Day, which takes place on Saturday 18 April. There’s every chance that plans will change after publication of this article, so double check with your local record store before you finalise your schedule. VoxBox Music: Stockbridge’s boutique record store of choice has always gone all-out on RSD with an all-day line-up of Scottish acts that reflect the values of the shop, and this year’s no different…
Burlington, NC | Main Street Vinyl Celebrates Record Store Day 2026 with Music, Exclusive Releases, and Downtown-Wide Festivities: Main Street Vinyl invites music lovers, collectors, and the local community to celebrate Record Store Day 2026 on Saturday, April 18 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM at its downtown location, 321 S Main Street in Burlington. Record Store Day is a worldwide celebration held annually to honor independent record stores and the culture that surrounds them. The event brings fans and artists together through exclusive, limited-edition vinyl releases, live performances, and a shared love of music.
Los Angeles, CA | Sounds of Music, a cornerstone of East LA’s oldies and soul scene, is at risk of closing: Customers say if the record shop closes, it’ll take decades of East LA history and culture with it. Just a few blocks away from East LA’s Whittier Boulevard arch—a symbol of Chicano pride—Sounds of Music has served as a cultural hub for decades. The record store, which has specialized in Chicano soul, oldies and “souldies” since 1964, is now at risk of closing if sales don’t improve. “I was going to close up in January,” owner Mario Reyes said. “We’re kind of month to month right now.” Reyes inherited the store from his father, Carlos Reyes, who relocated to East LA from Montebello in 1967.
Bedford, UK | ‘They make me feel like a king’ Special award recognises Bedford record shop for going ‘above and beyond.’ A popular Bedford record store is celebrating after scooping a special award for exceptional customer service. Thirsty Records and Coffee Shop, based at 75 Harpur Street, received the ‘Above & Beyond’ award on behalf of charity Sight Concern Bedfordshire. The award, which was presented by its Visually Impaired Champion George Hogman, recognises the business for going the extra mile in providing great, friendly service and having a can-do attitude in helping people with sight loss choose records and feel welcome. The store was nominated for the award by one of its regular customers Martin Buck, who is severely sight-impaired.
Kidderminster, UK | Hidden gem dance room at Mr Tee Records to be celebrated: A celebration highlighting a “hidden gem” room at the back of an iconic record store is set to be held to mark the shop’s 50th anniversary. Mr Tee Records has been a staple part of the Horsefair for generations and has cemented itself as the go-to destination for vinyl lovers. In honour of its 50th anniversary, Back2House Radio have teamed up with staff and supporters to shine a light on the store with a particular focus on a “hidden” room at the back of the shop called Mr Tee’s Dance Room. DJ MJ, the owner and director of Stourbridge-based Influential House Music Radio Station Back2House Radio, said: “Someone had recommended the shop to me and when I went down, I managed to chat to the owner Terry. I’ve been a DJ for 25/26 years now and in all those years, I had no idea the shop had a dance room.”
Vancouver, CA | Demand for physical media driving up business for Vancouver’s vinyl record industry: New data shows 2025 was another healthy year for vinyl sales in Canada. The revenue for vinyl records in Canada has more than quadrupled over the past decade and businesses associated with vinyl in Metro Vancouver say they’re benefitting from the demand. The data, compiled by Music Canada based on a March 18 report from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, shows revenue is booming. It comes after years of upward growth that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, with pop stars like Taylor Swift driving renewed interest in the vinyl format in recent years. Vinyl store operators say that, increasingly, younger generations are getting in on the act—and even leading to a spike in interest for CD collection.
Los Angeles, CA | We Share Records spins Japanese vinyl culture into LA: DJ-turned shopkeeper Tsugu Itagaki shares his taste through records across the Pacific. Between the aroma of curry udon, Filipino food and Korean barbecue, jazz and funky music flow out of an open door on Sawtelle Boulevard. A small independent record store with a floor-to-ceiling window facing the street, We Share Records soft-launched in November and has quickly become a hub for Japanese vinyl lovers seeking community. The store—decorated with tilted mirrors, potted plants, a wall of vinyl covers, and vintage record and cassette players—can only fit two people standing back to back as they sift through the records in the aisles. Yet the tiny space carries a unique selection, ranging from $3.99 soul records to original vinyls over $200, handpicked by store owner and DJ Tsugu Itagaki from Japanese record stores and difficult to find elsewhere in Los Angeles.
Pop‑up radio station broadcasts “Vinylthon” for charity: WVYL—Vinyl Radio will broadcast nonstop from 12:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, through midnight Friday, April 17, to raise money for scholarships for students who want to work in radio. A new pop‑up station, WVYL – Vinyl Radio, will broadcast nonstop from 12:00 a.m. Monday, April 13 through midnight Friday, April 17 to raise money for scholarships for students who want to work in radio. The 120‑hour special event leads into Vinylthon, the global celebration of radio and records on April 18 and 19, organized by the non‑profit College Radio Foundation. WVYL will air one‑hour shows from college, community, and commercial broadcasters around the world, plus programs that spotlight vinyl and other specialty content—created and hosted by real people, not algorithms.
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