Vinyl Records, CDs and cassettes will remain exempt from tariff changes, US Customs confirms: While de minimis exemptions will remain in place for physical music, other merchandise will now subjected to increased import taxes as part of US President Donald Trump’s tariff changes. Vinyl records, CDs, cassettes and other forms of recorded music will remain exempt from increased tariffs, the US Customs and Border Protection has confirmed. US President Donald Trump’s changes to tariffs have come into force today (August 29), with one of the changes being that “de minimis” goods imported to the US—or goods with a value of under $800—will no longer be exempt from import taxes. Countries are now subjected to different import taxes, depending on various deals that have been reached in the last few months; businesses in the UK will now have to pay around 10% of the product’s value, while sellers in the EU will pay 15%.
Auckland, NZ | ‘We’re still just a phone call away’, Iconic Auckland record store to close after 90 years: An iconic Auckland-based record store is set to close down it’s physical store in favour of an online model, in a move a founding family member says is reflective of the changing way people are listening to music. Marbecks, which has been in Queens Arcade in Auckland CBD for more than 90 years, will begin its new online-only chapter on October 31. While this means there will no longer be a physical storefront, plans are underway for special Marbecks pop-up events at festivals and music gatherings around the country. The store was founded in 1934 by Alfred and Maureen Marbeck, and is now in it’s fourth generation of family ownership. Roger Marbeck, who began working at the store in the 1970’s, told Stuff the team “never wanted to close the store,” but needed to be realistic.
MO | Vinyl Comeback: 30 Missouri record stores still stand strong: If you have a soft spot in your heart for music on vinyl, there’s some good news for you. I have found 30 record stores in Missouri which have not only survived, but some are even still thriving today. One of the most vivid memories I have from my high school years involves driving to record stores around the St. Louis, Missouri area looking for hard-to-find albums or new bands. That’s why I decided today to spend literally hours researching to discover how many record stores in Missouri have managed to hang in there. I found a great list at Vinyl World that included many record stores in the state that have sadly closed. I’ve done my best to verify that these record stores are still open for business.
Bolton, UK | Tyldesley couple enjoy launch of Resurrection record shop: A couple have hit the ground running after expanding their existing business to offer a new record shop in Tyldesley. Owning the Resurrection Promotions events and balloon shop on Elliott Street, Lynsey Boardman has helped many customers celebrate special occasions over the years. And while Resurrection is one of the many independent business giving Tyldesley’s high street a boost, Lynsey and her husband Mark have long thought that the area was missing a music and record shop. With the music-mad pair planning to open a record shop a few years ago, they recently decided to revive their dream and revamp their shop floor so that it now accommodates two businesses, Resurrection Promotions and Resurrection Records. Speaking about the new business, Lynsey said: “Music is something that we are both massively into, and as a DJ, Mark’s music knowledge is massive.
Longmont, CO | Check Out a New Vintage Vinyl Shop in Longmont: Those living in Colorado who were longing for “the good old days” found a new shop to check out in Longmont in the summer of 2025. 233 Main Street in Longmont, just off of Downtown, has been more than a few things in its time; before Vintology opened it was a thrift store. Which, when you think about it, isn’t much different from being a vintage shop. “Play your cards right, you can sell some of your old/vintage records, videos, etc., and walk over to Wibby Brewing with your cash.” Considering that I work at radio station, it’s not too surprising that my ears would perk up a the sound of a new vinyl shop opening in the Northern Colorado area in the summer of 2025. When it opened, and I heard that it dealt with not only vintage vinyls, but vintage books and other things, I had to check it out.
Denver, CO | Denver record store Wax Trax opening fourth location: In an interview with Denver7 anchor Shannon Ogden, Wax Trax co-owner Pete Stidman admits it’s a scary time to expand but says he’s optimistic there is enough vinyl market for a fourth location. Christmas is coming early for Denver area record lovers. Record store Wax Trax is opening a fourth location in Denver’s West Highlands neighborhood. If you don’t pay attention to these things, it might surprise you to learn that vinyl record sales just hit a record $1.4 billion in 2024, the 18th consecutive year of sales growth, according to the Recording Industry of America. Forty-four million vinyl records were sold last year compared to 33 million CDs. …In an interview with Denver7 anchor Shannon Ogden, Wax Trax co-owner Pete Stidman admits it’s a scary time to expand but says he’s optimistic there is enough vinyl market for a fourth location.
Melbourne, AU | Melbourne record shop buys vinyl collection from notorious former prison: Pentridge Prison in Melbourne’s inner-north was one of the most imposing and feared complexes, housing some of the country’s most notorious inmates, including Ned Kelly, Mark ‘Chopper’ Read and the Russell St bombers. Surprising then, that it was also the location for one of Australia’s most random radio stations. The prison allowed an inmate to DJ on a contained radio network for their fellow detainees to listen through headphones connected to the cell wall or through ceiling-mounted speakers. As of this week, the entire Pentridge Prison music catalogue—almost 2000 records—belongs to Joshua Smith, owner of the beloved Footscray Records. From Joni Mitchell and The Carpenters, the soundtrack from HAIR the musical to the more darkly humorous, The Inmates and The Electric Chairs, it appears Pentridge prisoners had some eclectic tastes.
Hanoi, VN | Music cassettes, CDs the draw at Hanoi retro café: Once a shop selling second-hand music players, Nau Café has transformed into a Hanoi hotspot where cassette tapes and vinyl records play soundtracks for new generations of coffee lovers. The café at No. 60, Alley 64, Nguyen Luong Bang Street, opened in June with a nostalgic theme centered on vinyl records, cassette tapes and other vintage audio equipment. Spread over two floors, it offers both indoor and outdoor seating areas. On the ground floor, a shelf brims with vinyl albums spanning everything from classical to contemporary music. Nearby a music table has vintage cassette decks, amplifiers and speakers surrounded by brick walls bathed in yellow light. A wire mesh wall hung with guitars, keyboards and other instruments gives the place a studio-like vibe. Large side windows flood the interior with natural light, brightening the dark-toned décor and making it a popular spot for drinks, conversation, remote work, and photo ops.
Modesto, CA | Vinyl Revival: 4th Annual Record Swap Returns to Graffiti USA! Calling all vinyl collectors and music lovers! Clear your calendar for Saturday, September 20th, 2025. Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum is dropping the needle on the 4th Annual Record Swap—this is one analog adventure you won’t want to miss! The event features thousands of records (LPs, 45s, and more) from every genre imaginable, all waiting to find a new home on your turntable. With over 25 vendors bringing their A-game, you’ll discover everything from must-have classics to holy-grail records you’ve been hunting for years. Browse other vintage treasures, including posters, lunchboxes, and popular culture items from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. Vibes? Absolutely fun-filled! Trax on Wax and guest DJs will be spinning the greatest hits from the ’50s through the ’90s—creating the perfect soundtrack while you dig through crates and bond with fellow vinyl enthusiasts.
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