Gosport, UK | Gosport record shop nominated for prestigious national award: A family-run record shop in Gosport has been named one of the best independent vinyl stores in the country, as it has been nominated for a prestigious national award. A Slice of Vinyl in Stoke Road is one of just four shops to be nominated for The AIM Independent Music Awards’ Best Independent Record Shop accolade. The family-run business began life on Gosport Market and then moved above a small café before taking its place on Stoke Road. A Slice of Vinyl stocks thousands of records, including new and preloved vinyls, and will participate in Record Shop Day 2026. A social media post from the record shop said the family was “completely overwhelmed” and “so excited” that it has been nominated alongside other “absolutely beautiful UK record shops”. The post said: “Thank you so much, we’re literally speechless. A little record shop based in Gosport…”
Flossmoor, IL | Records and Recliners: At this Flossmoor shop, you can transform your turntable and living room. Delete your Wayfair app and press pause on the “Hanging Out & Relaxing” playlist you’ve had on repeat. At Conservatory Vintage & Vinyl, a combination furniture boutique and record shop in downtown southwest suburban Flossmoor (1042 Sterling Ave.) that husband and wife Tony and Chogie Fields opened in 2019, you will find already-assembled, one-of-a-kind pieces to lounge in and spin-worthy vinyl that will beat any algorithm. Browsing the home collection here is like stepping into a mid-mod coffee-table book featuring works from a who’s who of era designers, including an Eero Saarinen–concepted IBM executive chair and a Jens Risom wood cabinet. The music section is a crate digger’s dream, with rarities like a misprint of Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue and an unofficial Ice Cube seven-inch.
Berkeley, CA | Amoeba Music drums up plan to add student housing to iconic Berkeley store: Record company pairs with California developer for apartment plans. An iconic California record store chain that managed to weather the music industry’s transformation from vinyl to CDs to digital streaming now aims to survive the state’s ongoing push for more housing. The owners of Amoeba Music have hatched a plan with a developer to build student apartments atop the California chain’s flagship store on Berkeley’s Telegraph Avenue, just a few blocks from the University of California campus. Dave Prinz and Marc Weinstein, who opened the record store at 2455 Telegraph Ave. in 1990, say the proposal to redevelop the property ensures the survival of Amoeba Music and its famous rainbow entryway as well as a historic mural on the side of the building that celebrates Berkeley’s legacy of social activism.
Dothan, AL | Big sound, small town charm: Inside Dothan’s unsung music scene: …From classic country to blues and modern rock, music has long been a part of Dothan’s story, and it’s only getting better. Several downtown murals bring the city’s musical legacy to life, highlighting its ties to iconic performers. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or an extended stay, Dothan makes it easy to fill your weekend with great food, local charm, and, of course, live music… Dothan Nurseries’ Record Room: If you aren’t into the live music crowds, spin some vinyl in the Record Room at Dothan Nurseries. Choose from an extensive collection of vinyl’s, have a complimentary beverage or popsicle, and nestle in amongst the plants. Let the greenery, photo op vignettes and music create lasting memories.
Riverdale, GA | Cardi B to host meet-and-greet Sept. 22 at Riverdale record store: Cardi B will host meet and greets in select cities, including Atlanta, to promote her sophomore album, Am I the Drama? The mom-of-4 (she’s currently expecting) will host a meet and greet at DBS Sounds in Riverdale, Georgia on Monday, Sept. 22. She tweeted: “Cardi B is coming to your city next week! Meet Cardi and get your signed ‘AM I THE DRAMA?’ vinyl, CDs, and box sets.” “This is my last chance to sell this album so I don’t get sent back to the strip club… meet me there!!!” she captioned a tweet on Tuesday. She said in the video: “Due to the ‘Imaginary Playerz’ music video, Atlantic Records has done some deductions to my album’s budget. So the new check has arrived and been received.” Cardi said her new budget from Atlantic is only $50. So she had to go out on the road to sell the album.
Taylor Swift hype is boosting record store sales: Even before it’s been released, Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” is already driving up sales at record stores and music marketplaces. Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” album, which dropped in April 2024, is back in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart after the “Showgirl” announcement. And, over at Discogs, an online vinyl marketplace, there’s been a 37% increase in Swift album sales in the two weeks since the August 12 album announcement, compared to the two weeks before. The marketplace, which allows customers to catalog their collections and create wish lists, also saw a 49% increase in the number of Swift’s releases added to Discogs customers’ Wantlists in the same period. Jeffrey Smith, vp of marketing at Discogs, said the noticeable lift in activity comes from fans who are hungry to complete their collections.
Auckland, NZ | Historic Auckland record store to close, move entirely online: Auckland music retailer Marbecks, operated more than 90 years, is closing its physical store to ramp up its digital expansion as Aotearoa’s entirely online-operated recorded music brand. As part of the music retailer’s transition to e-commerce, through the company’s online platform, Marbecks will offer its range of new releases and an extensive classical collection. “Marbecks has been a home for music lovers for over 90 years in Queens Arcade, and while closing our physical doors is bittersweet, our mission remains the same,” said Roger Marbeck, a member of Marbecks’ founding family. “Sharing music that inspires and brings people together, the online store lets us carry that legacy forward in a way that reaches more people than ever.”
Penticton, BC | ‘Find something special’ at Okanagan Vinyl Fest in Penticton: Vintage records, audio gear will soon be available for viewing, purchase at Okanagan College. One of B.C. Interior’s largest annual sales for vintage records and audio gear are returning to the South Okanagan. The 12th annual Okanagan Vinyl Fest comes to Okanagan College (Penticton campus) on Saturday, Sept. 20. Want to add to your record collection? Or, looking to find rare audio equipment? Crates will be filled with vinyls, CDs, and music memorabilia from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Early bird admission is at 9 a.m. Festival volunteers collected used records and equipment for the event during a vinyl drive on Aug. 23, outside the Peach City Radio CFUZ studio in Penticton. Proceeds from the upcoming festival will support the independent radio station, which can be heard at 92.9 on the local FM dial.
Beverly, MA | Vintage & Vinyl Record Shopping at Old Planters Brewing: Come experience the vibe of vintage! Step into a one-of-a-kind pop-up featuring signature North Shore vintage clothing and vinyl record vendors – the perfect blend of style and sound. Bring your dancing shoes: A live DJ will be spinning your favorite throwback tracks all day long. Dig through crates: Vinyl lovers, don’t miss the chance to score gems from @thebuzzinfly. Sip & socialize: Enjoy craft beer and refreshing non-alcoholic selections from Old Planters Brewing while you shop. All Ages Welcome! Bring your friends, bring the fam, and don’t miss out on this vintage-inspired day of music, fashion, and fun.
Follow The Vinyl District on Facebook HERE, Instagram HERE, Threads HERE, Bluesky HERE, and X/Twitter HERE.
