AU | What Is The Hardest Thing About Running A Record Store In 2025? Record store owners from all across the country weigh in. Record stores have long been at the frontline of the music ecosystem. They are crucial to the formation and upholding of tight-knit local artistic communities, and they deserve their dues. Every record store is a place that has cultivated a unifying love for music, an emotive environment that has allowed for the pursuit of sincere interests. A treasure trove for music lovers, and a supportive jumping-off point for local musicians. In other words, record stores—especially in this age of ever-digitised media—matter more than ever. …Of course, running a record store in this day and age is not without its challenges and uphill battles. So here is a selection of fascinating answers from record store owners we’ve interviewed in response to the question: What Is The Hardest Thing About Running A Record Store In 2025?
Brisbane, AU | Is the F-word offensive in Queensland? The tiny record shop that faced down a culture war in court—and won: Brisbane’s Rocking Horse Records turns 50 this year—but it should also be celebrated for its role in facing down a ‘nonsense’ culture war that began with undercover cops and the Dead Kennedys. It was one of the first odd, angry shots fired in what we now know as the culture wars. On the morning of 14 February 1989, a plain-clothed officer from Queensland police’s licensing branch was sniffing around Rocking Horse Records in Brisbane. He asked the owner, Warwick Vere, if he had any rude records that might be suitable for a “wild Valentine’s Day party.” A couple of hours later, farcical scenes ensued as four uniformed police raided the store, seizing suggestively titled records and tapes by (among others) Sydney punk band the Hard-Ons, Guns N’ Roses’ blockbuster album Appetite for Destruction and—most tellingly—a number of items by San Francisco satirists the Dead Kennedys.
London, UK | London vinyl store Zen Records to shut after 30 years: According to his family, the store’s owner, Robert Douglas, is currently battling health issues. Legendary vinyl ‘treasure trove’ Zen Records, which first opened on Broad Lane in Tottenham some 30 years ago, has announced its closure. In an Instagram post shared on June 27, the record store announced that it will close its doors later this year after three decades, citing ongoing health issues of its owner, Robert Douglas. The closure of Zen Records will be preceded by three livestreamed events to “honour this iconic space and legendary owner.” The streams will be held on July 5, August 9, and September 6. While the Tottenham store is set to shut, Robert’s collection will be moving onto Discogs, where he will “continue to share gems from his incredible collection.” The statement spoke of the store’s warm atmosphere: “Whether you were looking for deep reggae cuts, smooth soul, classic R&B, or the elusive groove known as rare groove, Robert had you covered with that knowing smile and a perfectly timed tune.”
Barcelona, SP | Farewell to Discos Revolver: The legendary store announces its definitive closure this July: The emblematic vinyl store Tallers, will close its doors after more than 30 years as a reference of the Barcelona music scene. Goodbye to Discos Revolver and, therefore, goodbye to an icon of Tallers street and, therefore, goodbye to an important part of Barcelona’s recent history. Founded in December 1991, Discos Revolver will say goodbye this month with its traditional July liquidation, as announced on Facebook. The decision has come as a cold shower for thousands of customers and regular musicians, who lament that, despite the rise of vinyl and a loyal community of “diehards”, the store has failed to hold its own in the face of digitization and the dominance of platforms like Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube. Its owner, Nuria Arso, admits in an interview with El País that “the business is not what it was 25 years ago,” although it is resisting thanks to that passionate public.
Billings, MT | DIY and analog: How North Pole Records in Billings keeps music physical—and political. In an era where songs dissolve into streaming algorithms and playlists drift in the cloud, a Montana label is doing something radically different: pressing music to tape, CD and vinyl, by hand and on purpose. Will Ryerson, who performs as Giant Wave, is one of the artists behind that movement. To him, music is not just sound—it’s texture, chance, and discovery. “I like to call myself a lifelong audio explorer,” Ryerson said. “I just love music. It’s the thing that I love the most to do.” …Ryerson releases his work in physical formats—something he said adds permanence in a world where most music disappears into a stream. Each version is formatted specifically for its medium. “CD, digital, there’s a specific (recording method) for CD quality,” he said. “Then there’s one obviously for vinyl…”
Cardiff, UK | One of Wales’ best loved record shops is up for sale: A much-loved Welsh record shop has announced it is up for sale. The store, The Record Shop in Cardiff, has been a treasure trove for music lovers in the Welsh capital for decades. But now owner Pat has decided to sell the business and retire after looking after the secondhand music shop in the Roath area of the city for 40 years. The news was posted on the shop’s Facebook page informing customers that the business is up for sale. The well-loved store with the colourful facade, originally known as Hippo Records, is renowned for the huge amount of music of all genres available in the store and the staff’s enthusiastic rapport with customers. The news that the business situated on Inverness Place is for sale comes after another iconic Cardiff vinyl landmark D’Vinyl recently shut up shop.
Marquette, MI | The Geoff and Jon’s Record Show wraps up Fourth of July show: Geoff and Jon’s Record Show finished its 3rd show on Sunday at Marquette’s Ore Dock Brewing Company. Show organizer Geoff Walker says people from all over the country came over for the Fourth of July weekend. The show saw a good crowd checking out hundreds of new arrivals. Walker says he can’t put a number on how many records this show sold, but he says the number of empty boxes is a good sign. He also met people from big metro areas who loved the show’s wide range of titles. “A gentleman from New York City yesterday said that he was surprised to find artists that he has a hard time finding in New York, so I think that says something,” Walker said. There are two more record shows this year. You can find your next vinyl at their upcoming Labor Day Show. The show runs for five days from August 28th to September 1st at the Ore Dock Brewing Co.
Wakefield, UK | Vinyl lovers get ready as The Record Vinyl Fair spins into town: Music lovers, collectors, and crate diggers—mark your calendars! Tileyard North will come alive with the crackle and charm of wax as it hosts For The Record—a celebration of all things vinyl next weekend. The free, family event will take place from 10am-4pm on Saturday, July 19, with record stalls selling new and vintage records. There will also be exclusive DJ sets in the onsite Vinyl Cafe, where there will be rare and classic cuts all day long. And many local food stalls to keep visitors fuelled along with an outdoor tipi and beer garden. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just discovering the new joys of vinyl, there promises to be something for everyone. Set within the inspiring creative hub of Tileyard North, this is more than just a market—it’s a full-blown celebration of music, culture and community.
Wexford, IE | The Wexford Record Fair: Sunday, 31 August 2025, 10.30am. Open 10:30am–5pm – FREE Entry. Traders from all parts of Ireland will gather to bring you an incredible selection of both new and second-hand vinyl records and CDs. You’ll find music covering every style and genre imaginable—from Jazz to Hip Hop and everything in between. Come along, search through the hidden treasures, and discover the soundtrack to your next adventure. Who knows—you might just find that rare gem that you’ve been looking for…
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