Twin Ports, MN | Local Record Stores Talk Vinyl: From the sound quality to the artistry vinyl records have made their comeback. Large department stores often carry some of the most popular records. But more unique selections are best found at your local record store. …“A lot of younger folks I see are kind of getting into it, asking a lot of questions about players, what they need for accessories. What’s the difference between a 45 and a 33 so it’s really cool to watch the market kind of blow up and expand, especially to a younger audience, because it ensures longevity in what we’re doing here.” said Jon Fritsche, Owner of Globe News in Superior. “You don’t need to have a super elaborate, expensive setup, you can start simple, whether it’s one of the little travel turntables, or, I don’t know, an older turntable with some headphones. You don’t have to throw 1000s of dollars at a system right away. You don’t have to buy 800 records right off the bat.
Atlanta, GA | New record store Crates ATL soft launches in Downtown Atlanta: A new record store from Moods Music owner Darryl Harris is set to open in Downtown Atlanta on Easter weekend. Crates ATL hosted a soft opening on April 11, introducing Harris’ new venture to Historic Hotel Row on Mitchell Street. Community members gathered for music, snacks and drinks, and a chance to get a first look at Crates’ inventory of new and vintage records, speakers, turntables, plants, and more. Moods Music has been an Atlanta staple for 25 years, bringing vinyl and CDs spanning genres like Neo Soul, Afro-Cuban, and Acid Jazz to Little Five Points. Crates displays Harris’ established music knowledge and effortless cool with a selection of records primarily highlighting Black artists and genres like jazz, hip-hop, funk, soul, and R&B — making it the “dopest vinyl shop in the ATL.”
Littleton, CO | Records on Main in Littleton will have its soft opening on April 26: After a delayed opening due to a motorcycle accident, the vinyl shop is preparing for its first customers. In the heart of Denver’s metro area, iconic shops like Wax Trax Records and Mutiny Information Cafe have long defined the region’s vinyl culture. Soon, vinyl enthusiasts can find records in downtown Littleton at Records on Main, a family-run record store set to open at 2430 W. Main St. The story behind Records on Main is as compelling as its collection. Cassie Cherin recently found herself organizing the soft launch of her dad’s record store. Her dad, Marshall Cherin suffered a near-fatal motorcycle accident that left him hospitalized. “It’s been difficult. I moved here from Los Angeles in the last 20 days,” she said. “But it’s also exciting and (my dad) is progressing really well right now. Hopefully he will be out of the hospital and into rehab within the next week.”
New York, NY | Rough Trade Debuts a New 4,000-Square-Foot Underground Location at Rink Level: …Indie record shop Rough Trade debuted a secondary location on the Rink Level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza this week, adding a new 4,000-square-foot space dubbed Rough Trade Below to its existing 2,000-square-foot street-level shop of the same building, now rebranded as Rough Trade Above. “Rather than open another store somewhere else in the city, we felt that we shouldn’t follow convention and just go bigger where we are,” director and co-owner Stephen Godfroy tells The Center Magazine. “Even though the second store is very close in proximity, it’s a different world.” Now, the upstairs location focuses on new vinyl, arranged by genre and then alphabetically. The lower-level store also has some new releases, but they’re displayed by theme, like classic New York albums. But a major part of the new space is a used vinyl section, where shoppers can listen to tracks before purchasing, as well as sell their own records.
Cardiff, UK | Kelly’s Records: the Cardiff record shop built on passion: We spoke to Allan, who runs Kelly’s, about the shop’s history, famous visitors, Record Store Day, and the Elvis on the balcony. Local independent record shops are vital and beloved cornerstones of many communities. Opening their doors and welcoming die-hard music fans and collectors, newbies who are just getting into music, and everyone in between and beyond, they provide a space for appreciating and discovering music across decades and genres. One shop that’s been providing that much-needed and appreciated service is Kelly’s Records, one of the best record shops in Cardiff. Established in 1969, the shop’s Allan Parkins tells us Kelly’s was “set up by the amazing Eddie and Phyllis Kelly. [they] built our record store on their shared passion for music, and loved to be out in the community, talking to people and learning from one another about the latest trends, signs of the times, and especially what the ‘new sound’ that people just couldn’t get enough of was.”
Manchester, UK | Vinylfetishes: The new Manchester record shop designed as a “safe space for pop fans.” Manchester’s mark on the British music scene is indelible. From wavey nights at The Haçienda to that iconic Salford Lads Club doorway, Factory Records’ class-clashing spirit to Moss Side’s finest Cleopatra; musical lore runs through the veins of its locals. It’s why its all-too-damp streets play host to some of the UK’s most beloved independent record shops; the likes of Vinyl Resting Place, Vinyl Exchange and Piccadilly Records (where The Smiths’ Johnny Marr was recently named ‘Record Store Legend,’ complete with a fancy plaque). And now, Manchester boasts a brand-new indie record shop in its own lane entirely: Vinylfetishes. Located in Ancoats’ Pollard Yard and founded by Sash and Glen Hudson on their 10th wedding anniversary, Vinylfetishes is less AC/DC, more Ariana Grande. A haven for pop purveyors hoping to secure some Emma Bunton over Eagles.
Bristol, UK | The best record shops in Bristol: Supporting your local record shop helps small, vital businesses thrive while also allowing you to support your local music scene. Here are the best record shops in Bristol. For years now, Bristol has been the go-to destination for a proper sweaty underground dance. Bristol’s music scene is thriving and incredibly varied, attracting music fans from across the UK and beyond. With such immense talent, of course you want to support your local artists, and shopping at your local record shop is the perfect way to do so. Not only does it help you support your local scene, but you’ll also likely be supporting small, independent businesses. These businesses keep music alive and well, helping local artists get their music heard and make a living with their art. Record shop owners are possibly the greatest unsung heroes of our local scenes, and with Record Store Day 2025 nearly upon us, it’s time to get out and support these heroes.
New York, NY | Iconic NYC record store where Biggie Smalls, MC Hammer got their start celebrates 50 years in business: This shop is still spinning. Rock and Soul, the Midtown-based record store credited with nurturing the early careers of Mark Ronson, Wu Tang Clan and Grandmaster Flash, is celebrating its 50th anniversary on Record Store Day on Saturday – and attributes its survival to being able to “evolve” over the years. The Manhattan store was first a humble electronics shop on Seventh Avenue before turning into a vinyl paradise in the early 1980s and, later, a gear haven for Big Apple DJs – and its transformation act may not be over yet. …The shop, which moved to West 37th Street in 2023 due to a rent increase, currently stays afloat by supplementing vinyl record sales with DJ equipment and lessons, Bechor told The Post – but what keeps its core regulars coming back is the community it has fostered over the decades.
Costa Mesa, CA | Factory Records’ owner celebrates 34th anniversary of original shop: David James, or DaveNoise as some people call him, opened Noise Noise Noise on April 2, 1991, located in Costa Mesa. This year he celebrates the 34th anniversary of the original shop. “I figure if I opened on April 1, people would think it was an April Fools prank,” James said; he was 22 years old at the time of opening. “I called it Noise Noise Noise because there is an old punk band called ‘The Damned’ and they have a song called ‘Noise Noise Noise.’ It’s basically about turning up the music loud and the music rules.” Since around junior high James wanted to open a record shop. He even got a job at the local music store, called Music Market right out of high school. …“The opportunity presented itself; my mom drove by a location and said I needed to check it out because it would be really good for a record store,” James said. “We went over and within days we had signed the lease.”
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