Author Archives: TVD HQ

Louisville, KY | The Case for Bookshelves, Records, and Real Collections: …Owning things started to feel outdated. Now, the pendulum has swung back. People want libraries again, but not just as places to read. They want sitting and listening rooms, studies, and built-in shelves that make space for the things they actually care about. A home library today is just as likely to hold first-edition novels, vinyl records, old concert DVDs, family photo albums, and a favorite CD collection as it is a stack of hardcovers waiting to be finished.

Houston, TX | Beloved U.S. record store announces plans to close soon: A beloved Texas record store is closing its doors after nearly 50 years in business. The owner of Soundwaves, located at 3509 Montrose Blvd., Houston, announced the closure in a post on Instagram on Sunday. The brand, which had several locations throughout Houston, opened its first store near the Astrodome in 1976, the Houston Chronicle reported. It was a popular destination for those looking for the latest vinyl or for those those in the surf-and-skate community who sought boards and apparel. A reason for the closure wasn’t provided, and the post didn’t specify in the post when the store’s last day will be, but did say that all merchandise will be marked down 50%.

Bowling Green, OH | Iconic record store reopening in Bowling Green: Local music impresario and physical media store-owner Broc Curry says Finders Records will be reopening sometime in August. The store originally opened in 1971. While so many of Toledo’s independent (and even corporate-owned) record stores went under with the rise of music downloads and streaming services in the early twentieth century, one stalwart record store in Bowling Green held strong. Finders Records was a mainstay on Main Street in Bowling Green since 1971, giving a place for generations of BGSU students and townies alike a place to hang out and discover new music. Unfortunately, even though physical media, specifically vinyl records, are making a comeback with younger generations, Finders finally gave up the ghost in 2023 when founder and owner Greg Halamay made the decision to retire and close the store.

Cochrane, CA | Vinyl Revival finds a home at Retro Bob’s in Historic Downtown: For years, boxes of old records sat tucked away in basements, garages and storage rooms—collections people just could not quite bring themselves to part with. Now, those albums are spinning again. At Found Books & Shop in Historic Downtown Cochrane, Retro Bob’s album shop is tapping into the growing revival of vinyl, drawing everyone from longtime collectors reliving memories to younger listeners spinning vinyl for the first time. …The resurgence is being reflected across Canada. Vinyl sales have surged in recent years, with Statistics Canada figures showing Canadian vinyl sales grew by 34 per cent between 2021 and 2023.

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IA | Physical media sales rise nationally, sparking new stores in eastern Iowa: Razzle Dazzle Music & Movies and Zig Zog’s Records are two new stores specializing in the sale of physical media at a time when the demand is growing. With the rise of streaming services and declining sales, it seemed as if DVDs and vinyl were going to become a distant memory. However, over the last couple of years, a jump in sales and a newfound appreciation for physical media among younger generations has breathed new life into the market at a time when individuals are struggling with affording streaming services and the cost of living.

Glenside, PA | Vinyl Chickie Expanding Hours In Glenside: The popular record store drew crowds recently by selling legendary Philly radio host Pierre Robert’s record collection. Vinyl Chickie is expanding its hours. The popular Philadelphia area record store will be open seven days a week starting on Monday. Vinyl Chickie Owner Lisa Schaffer made the announcement on Monday, stating that her son Brandon will run the shop on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. Since opening about a year ago, Vinyl Chickie has made its mark in the Philadelphia region. Last July, Philadelphia Magazine gave the Mount Carmel Avenue shop its “Best of Philly” awardfor the top record store in the region. Schaffer—a self-described “music nerd”—opened Vinyl Chickie at 2256 Mt. Carmel Ave., a stone’s throw from the iconic Keswick Theatre, where concerts are frequently on the calendar.

East Orange, NJ | Movin’ Records Founders Honored as Council Advances Major Agenda Items: The East Orange City Council meeting on April 27 combined municipal business with a recognition of the city’s cultural legacy, as council members advanced key legislation, addressed resident concerns, and honored the founders of Movin’ Records, a Central Avenue institution that helped shape New Jersey’s music scene. The evening’s highlight was a special resolution honoring Abigail “Abby” Adams and Keith Brown, founders of Movin’ Records. Led by Councilman Sammed Monk, the presentation recognized the pair for their role in building a hub for DJs, artists, and music enthusiasts that influenced house, hip-hop, and R&B culture locally and beyond. Monk described Movin’ Records as a place where people came not just to buy music, but to connect and grow within the industry.

São Paulo, BR | Where Walter Salles hunts for his vinyl records: discover the gallery that houses relics from 1963 and treasures worth R$ 3,000 in the heart of São Paulo. From the classics at Galeria do Rock to the collection of 1 million LPs in Mooca, discover where to hunt for vinyl records in São Paulo. Located at 154 Sete de Abril Street in República, Galeria Nova Barão is São Paulo’s largest vinyl record haven. With open shelves, the gallery also keeps an eye on the past. The collection includes contemporary releases by major pop stars as well as older albums and rare editions, which are the venue’s main draw. Prices generally reflect the level of exclusivity, reaching up to R$3,000 for items considered national or international treasures. In addition to the shopping center, the gallery offers a nostalgic experience that transcends generations.

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Bowling Green, KY | Iconic record store reopening in Bowling Green: While so many of Toledo’s independent (and even corporate-owned) record stores went under with the rise of music downloads and streaming services in the early twentieth century, one stalwart record store in Bowling Green held strong. Finders Records was a mainstay on Main Street in Bowling Green since 1971, giving a place for generations of BGSU students and townies alike a place to hang out and discover new music. Unfortunately, even though physical media, specifically vinyl records, are making a comeback with younger generations, Finders finally gave up the ghost in 2023 when founder and owner Greg Halamay made the decision to retire and close the store. But that may not be the end of the story.

Los Angeles, CA | Where music still lives in crates: At High Fidelity, music is something you can hold, collect and share. Inside High Fidelity, music doesn’t live in a cloud. It sits in crates. You flip through it, hold it in your hands and take it home with you. “Records and vinyl still matter because it is something that you own,” said Raymond Limon, co-owner of the store. “Something you could hold, something you could look at even the smell of old records is very distinct.” Ownership. This is what keeps his store relevant in a digital world. Raymond has been around records since he was 17. His sister helped him get a job at Aaron’s Records in Hollywood, and what started as an after-school job turned into a career. “People played music all day. There were rockers, punks, hip hoppers, goths—everybody was super cool,” he said. “Once I got into music and records, I never looked back.”

New Braunfels, TX | New Braunfels record shop turns up the volume with expansion: Yard Sale Records is hitting a high note, doubling in size less than two years after opening to accommodate the surging demand for vinyl and vintage media. Howard Lovell opened Yard Sale Records in March 2024 at 880 S Business IH 35 Suite 600, and focuses on selling vinyl records, CDs, VHS tapes and other vintage items like toys and clothing. Lovell said that the shop has built a loyal following, prompting an expansion that started in October 2025 and is still ongoing. …Lovell moved to New Braunfels from Houston in 2020 and spent several years traveling to markets selling vinyl records before opening his storefront. Lovell said he’s really come to love the New Braunfels community and enjoys establishing connections with his customers.

Ithaca, NY | The Persistence of Vinyl: There’s not much to do in Ithaca on a rainy Saturday—unless you know where to look. This weekend in particular held an event I was excited for as a lover of music and a gumshoe of music lovers: the Ithaca Vinyl Records & CDs Fair. The Downtown Ithaca Conference Center took on the persona of an audio-fanatic’s dream basement, hosting makeshift isles overflowing with CDs, vinyl records and various music paraphernalia. I wasn’t sure where to begin; not just as a shopper, but as an investigator. I wanted to pick the brains of these vendors who had come from far and wide to peddle their wares, because I’m sure they too wonder why vinyl records, against all odds, still hold appeal to a world where almost any song can be cued up at the push of a button.

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California, PA | Gen Z Is Making Owning Physical Media Trendy Again: Gen Z’s nostalgia and desire for true ownership is sparking a resurgence of owning physical media. When was the last time you picked up a DVD? What about a magazine, or a vinyl record? Just a year or two ago, I would expect most people’s answers to sound something along the lines of, “I can’t even remember.” However, driven by Gen Z nostalgia and the desire of true ownership, physical media is making a comeback. The convenience of streaming services can’t be argued; Netflix’s switch from DVD-by-mail service to streaming in 2007 changed the way many people view tv shows and movies forever. But the recent topic of conversation hasn’t been about convenience; people want a sense of true ownership, and the fulfillment of collecting again.

Houston, TX | 50-year-old record store closing its final location: A longtime destination for collectors and music fans is shutting down as streaming continues to reshape how music is discovered and consumed. …A long-standing Houston retailer has now joined the list of closures. Soundwaves, located at 3509 Montrose Blvd., is in the process of closing after five decades in business. Liquidation sales began on April 25, with all items discounted by 50% until closing, according to a post on its Instagram. By April 30, the store was listed as “permanently closed” on Google Maps, and its official website was no longer accessible, though liquidation sales are still ongoing, and its Instagram account remains active. Soundwaves became more than just a retail space; it was a cultural fixture.

Coeur d’Alene, ID | Terry and Deon Borchard closing music store after 41 years in Coeur d’Alene: Tad Mosher has been coming to The Long Ear in search of music for more than 30 years. “I love having the CD in my hand,” the Hayden man said Tuesday as he took a break from perusing the shelves. “That’s why I keep coming back. I’m not into downloading stuff.” The Long Ear, he said, has the work of artists he likes, including Adele and Judas Priest. The staff, as well, are knowledgeable and friendly. “It’s a great atmosphere here,” Mosher said. That’s why he was disappointed to learn the store that’s been a mainstay in Coeur d’Alene’s music scene for 41 years would be closing this summer. “I don’t know what I’ll do. I guess I’ll go online and buy CDs,” he said. Owners Terry and Deon Borchard wish it wasn’t so.

Athens, GA | Musical longevity in the Classic City: Wuxtry Records celebrates 50 years in Athens: It’s a story that Mark Methe recounts with ease. A moving truck, a new car and countless crates of records led to that March day in 1976 when Methe and his friend Dan Wall opened Wuxtry Records in Athens. A month prior, the two music lovers from the Midwest set out to open a record store down South through a process of trial-and-error. With years of experience working in record stores and a goal to open one, they passed on Morgantown, West Virginia and Knoxville, Tennessee in their tour of the region. Eventually, their oil-burning vehicle and a recommendation from a friend took them down Highway 441 and landed them in Athens. They secured a location in February, and by March, they were ready to come back down and open the store.

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Eugene, OR | Oregon Rainmakers: Talking physical media with House of Records owner Greg Sutherland. .”..Then in 1999 came the iPod, and that just stopped business cold. We went five straight years where we made less money each year than the year before. We just thought there wouldn’t be any physical media because everybody was going to be listening on their iPods. What ended up happening is that people quickly discovered that iPods were easy to lose and sounded terrible, and that listening to music in earbuds is not the same as listening to music on a nice stereo system with good room sound and good speakers. Around 2005 or 2006, coincidentally or not, that’s when the resurgence of vinyl started. It was just a trickle at first, but by 2006 or 2007, we could tell something was going on.”

Coeur d’Alene, ID | Coeur d’Alene destination record store The Long Ear to close in July after 53 years in business: Business was so slow when Terry and Deon Borchard first moved their record store, the Long Ear, to Coeur d’Alene in 1985 that they relied on relatives to keep the phone line busy. “When we moved up here, nobody knew we were here,” Deon Borchard, who along with her husband has been running the shop since they lived in Big Bear Lake, California, in 1973, said. …The independent record store, which has moved around the Lake City three times and outlasted former industry giants such as Borders, Sam Goody and Hastings, will see those phones go silent in July. Their building at 1620 N. Government Way sold last summer, and the business plans to shutter when its lease expires after its owners fruitlessly searched for another new home.

Meadville, PA | A sound investment: VinylMugshot opens in downtown Meadville. …After numerous odd jobs as a caretaker, information technology worker and factory lineman, among others, Zinz found his groove in the vinyl business. He began building up his collection of records and concert posters and selling them on eBay about 26 years ago. “This is what I’ve always wanted to do,” he said of opening his own record store. In fact, he opened one in 2011 called Round Again Records on North Street, but it closed after a few years in business. This time around, he thinks vinyl is a sound investment. In the past six to 10 years, he said the interest in collectibles like records has skyrocketed.

Youngstown, OH | Weathered history of Geo’s Music on record: Embedded in the history of downtown Youngstown is an all-welcoming, musical rendezvous—record store Geo’s Music. Founded in 1998, Geo’s originally started as an idea to bring creative minds together and give them a home. For founder Geo Case, this store literally served as a home for a number of years as he was sleeping on a mattress in the back of the shop. Case said the store serves many purposes, and he is happy to be involved in the community. “This is your home place for Geo C and Tha Storm, the band, to make music, practice, write and arrange … And then we can have a hub here that people can come to buy music, or to, if you’re an artist locally, we of course love to sell your music, or t-shirts or whatever…”

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