Category Archives: A morning mix of news for the vinyl inclined

San Francisco, CA | Legendary filmmaker stops by San Francisco record store: John Waters is in the latest episode of ‘What’s In My Bag?’ filmed at Amoeba’s SF store. The last time John Waters made an appearance at Amoeba Records in San Francisco was back in 2007, when he was promoting the vinyl release of his one-man Valentine’s Day show, “A Date with John Waters.” The legendary filmmaker, known for off-kilter cult favorites like “Pink Flamingos” and “Hairspray,” remembers the afternoon well: There was a huge line out the door, and one person waiting among them was completely nude. “It was a straight guy, and he told me, ‘I just want to sit on your lap and take a picture of it and give it to my mother for Christmas,’” Waters recounted in a new episode of the store’s “What’s in my Bag?” series. “I always had really good experiences at Amoeba Records. So I’m happy to be back.”

New York, NY | The 12 Best Vinyl Record Stores in New York for Electronic Music (2026 Guide): If you are looking for the absolute best vinyl store New York has to offer for electronic music, your top choices depend on your digging style. Manhattan 45 is the top destination for strictly new EDM, techno, and UKG releases. For second-hand classics and 90s house, A-1 Record Shop and Human Head Records are essential. If you want the deepest crate-digging experience, head to The Thing. Looking to buy directly from the source? Independent label storefronts like Razor-N-Tape and Brooklyn Record Exchange offer exclusive direct-to-fan experiences.

Bismarck, ND | Generation Gap Records: Bridging the gap in music. Vinyl is making a comeback, and one Bismarck man is helping keep the tradition spinning. He ships thousands of albums to music lovers around the world. Brian Taix loves music and vinyl records. He’s been passionate about them since working at Budget Tapes and Records in Bismarck back in the 80s. Then he took a “rest” from record business. “Daughter was going to school out in Missoula. College out there,” said Taix. “I found a record store out there that I really liked and got me hooked back into it again.” Now, he runs his own online store called Generation Gap Records. Taix has collected close to 8,000 records in his inventory, not counting the 300 in his personal collection.

Islington, UK | “Get yourself a decent record player and follow your ears.” As Record Shop Day 2026 draws near, Mark Burgess, owner of Flashback Records, reflects on the history of vinyl records and its ever-standing prominence within the music landscape. Digital downloads dominated the early 2000s, with global digital music sales doubling to around £1.5 billion in 2006. But by 2007, vinyl records made a miraculous comeback and have increased in sales ever since. A record-breaking boom was seen during the pandemic. In the midst of business closures, vinyl sales soared. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) recorded by 2022, vinyl records were the most popular format of physical recorded music since 1987, overtaking the sales of its previous rival, the CD.

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US | “Fans are consuming music from the artists they love in more ways than ever”: US vinyl sales hit the $1 billion mark for the first time in over 40 years. It’s the 19th consecutive year of growth. The vinyl revival still shows no sign of stopping—it’s been reported that US sales of records have topped $1 billion for the first time since 1983. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) sales of the format totalled $1.04 billion in 2025, with 46.8 million records sold. That’s the nineteenth consecutive year of growth. And also a rise of 7.9% from the 2024 total of 43.4 million. And guess who is being credited as the figure behind this most recent surge? Yes, that’s right: Taylor Swift.

Lewisburg, WV | Frankie & Fig open ‘Bramble’ in downtown Lewisburg: Frankie and Fig Hawkins found Lewisburg with the help of Google. “We were just looking for something cute and we really couldn’t afford the West anymore, to be honest,” said Frankie. “It was a combination of Google-ing, Youtube-ing and Chat GPT and just trying to find a small town,” Fig said. “We did that for about four months. Then we finally settled on this one and we came to visit and we loved it.” …Frankie designed the Bramble logo and made several of the signs herself. She describes the store as offering a little something for everyone. Shoppers can browse a selection of vinyl records, vintage clothing, perfumes, legos, art and knick knacks. “It’s a small space we’re in but we’ve packed it with a lot of stuff and we want it to feel like a treasure hunt…”

Lemont, IL | Moose Vinyl Acquires B-Side Records in Lemont, Illinois: Moose Vinyl, a technology company serving the record collecting community, today announced the acquisition of B-Side Records, located in the heart of Lemont, Illinois. The purchase ensures the beloved record store will continue to serve as a gathering place where people of all ages can connect over their shared love of music. B-Side Records was founded in 2019 by David and JoAnn Bruff, who built the shop into a cherished destination for vinyl enthusiasts and music lovers across the southwest suburbs. With David retiring for the second time, the Bruffs sought new ownership that would honor the store’s legacy and keep it rooted in the Lemont community. “When we learned B-Side Records was available, we knew it was the right opportunity…”

Lafayette, LA | Rock and roll market and vinyl haul gives Lafayette musicians place to exchange wares: Acadiana features community markets that focus on everything from farm fresh produce, to vintage items and folk arts and crafts. There’s even an outlet for lovers of vinyl records and musical gear to ply their wares. On Sunday, March 15, Acadiana Vinyl Haul combined forces with the Rock and Roll Farmers Market on for an afternoon market at Blue Moon Saloon in Lafayette. The event was hosted in part to honor the two year anniversary of the death of “Brother Dege & The Brethren” front man Dege Legg, who originally founded the Rock and Roll Farmers Market in Lafayette. “It’s great for people to be able to trade off records, and this year we expanded to add in the Rock and Roll Farmers Market for used musician gear, which hadn’t been done since Dege passed away,” said Travis Gauthier.

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Young People are Trading Screens for Old-Fashioned Hobbies: As soon as Jess Farnham, 25, wakes up in the morning, she doesn’t turn her phone off airplane mode. She instead turns to her bookshelf next to her bed and grabs her daytime gratitude journal. After getting ready for the day, she turns to the sofa across from her bed to help her not fall back asleep and be tempted to use her phone. While having breakfast, she still does not turn her phone off from airplane mode, and instead reads a non-fiction book because it helps her start her day feeling inspired. “Although we spent so much time online scrolling and stuff with, you know, it’s a thing of, ‘oh, you want to be more connected,’ but actually, I think spending more time on screens and scrolling definitely left me feeling more disconnected from the little joys in life,” She said. “I feel like a lot of analog things bring a lot of people love, joy, but they kind of forgotten about those.”

Newton Abbot, UK | Shop gearing up for first Record Store Day at new premises: A Newton Abbot record shop is preparing for this year’s Record Store Day and it will be the first at a new location. Roger and Marsha Cox, owners of Phoenix Sounds, the town’s independent record store, are looking forward to bringing the town together for Record Store Day 2026 on Saturday, April 18 at their new shop on East Street, a stone’s throw from St Leonards clock tower. Last year saw around 300 vinyl enthusiats queuing on Queen Street. And this year is sure to capture the attention of local shops who have yet to witness Record Store Day previously. As one of the most significant dates in any vinyl enthusiast’s diary, Record Store Day is an international celebration of independent record stores and the vibrant community that supports them. Roger and Marsha, supported by Megan and Alice, will welcome record-lovers from 8am.

Bangkok, CN | Vinyl Die Hards: A shop for die-hard fans in Srinakarin that lives up to its name, serving collectors devoted to the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. The racks are mainly a time capsule of classic rock, soul and soft-focus pop, with copies ranging from factory-sealed to gently worn—although we say those faint scuffs often reward the listener with a sense of history. The owner has spent a lifetime in the company of records, and it shows. Mention an album you half remember from your dad’s car stereo and he’ll crouch beside you, flicking through sleeves with quiet determination until it surfaces. You’re not simply handed an item at the till. You’re given context, anecdotes, small lessons in pressing history. That exchange transforms a purchase into a shared memory, and very few places do it so well.

Dubuque, IA | Biz Buzz: Dubuque store opens with space for records, thifting, community. A new record store opened this month in Dubuque. Roll-On-Records opened at the corner of 27th and Jackson streets, with a laundromat in the back. The business carries over 8,000 vinyl records, over 1,000 CDs, nearly 400 cassettes and Blu-Ray DVDs. The store features a space to buy apparel, and artwork by local artists available for purchase hangs on the wall. …“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” owner Aaron Burbach said. “I really wanted to contribute to the community.” Burbach said he chose the building because he feels good about the area and where it is heading. He designed the space to fit the community’s needs. When he bought the building, he knocked on doors to talk with neighbors.

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US | Vinyl Sales Surpassed $1 Billion In 2025: Report. For the first time this century, vinyl music sales eclipsed $1 billion in a calendar year. Vinyl purchases in 2025 reached $1.04 billion in the U.S., according to a report published Monday by the Recording Industry Association of America. Once considered an endangered format, vinyl sales grew for the 19th consecutive year in 2025, per a news release from the non-profit organization tasked with tracking music sales. Last year, consumers purchased an estimated 48.5 million new vinyl units, which largely includes traditional LP and EP releases. By comparison, CDs sold 29.5 million units, according to the report. The report does not include sales of pre-owned vinyl.

Los Angeles, CA | ArtNight Closeup: Pasadena Artist Opens a Record Store Inside a Gallery: Dave Muller’s first nonprofit solo show in Los Angeles in over two decades fills ArtCenter’s Williamson Gallery with vinyl, watercolors, and 20 years of music obsession. …The exhibition, “Dave Muller: Proto Typical,” gets a public sneak peek Friday night during ArtNight Pasadena, the citywide arts event produced by the City of Pasadena’s Cultural Affairs Division, before its formal opening reception Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. An artist-led walk-through precedes the reception from 4 to 5 p.m. The show runs through August 8. Admission is free. At the center of the exhibition is Record Pavilion 2.0, a fully operational record store stocked with vinyl from Muller’s personal collection. Visitors can browse and buy records throughout the show’s run. Muller routinely restocks the inventory during his exhibitions, according to gallery records from previous installations.

Valetta, MT | The Story Of… D’Amato Records in Valetta, Malta: D’Amato Records is the oldest record shop in the world. It was founded in 1885 by Giovanni D’Amato in Valetta, Malta. They are currently in the 5th generation. The store has tens of thousands of records, vinyls, cds and cassettes. The music genres varies from Rock, Pop, Hip Hop, Jazz, K-pop and everything in between. Famous visitors over the years are musicians, actors, politicians and football players. When visiting Malta, it is a must to step inside the store. What you see is authentic and feels like stepping into a time machine. Beyond being historic, they strive to be one of the best stocked record shops in the world. What you see today is not a reconstruction or a nostalgic recreation, it is the real thing.

Kuala Lumpur, MY | There’s A New Vinyl Café In Chow Kit Where You Can Sit, Sip & Listen To Music Records: No distractions, just records, headphones, and a bit of peace. In a city full of busy cafés and background playlists, a new spot in Kuala Lumpur is inviting people to slow down and really enjoy the music. Located in Chow Kit, Listen HiFi Cafe is a vinyl listening café where guests can browse through records and book dedicated listening sessions with turntables and headphones, all while sipping on coffee and other drinks. Located on Level 3 at Jalan Kamunting, the space features 13 vinyl listening stations, each equipped with closed-back over-ear headphones and an Audio-Technica turntable. The collection covers a wide range of genres, from indie, R&B, hip hop, pop, alternative, and shoegaze to instrumental and orchestral recordings like the Studio Ghibli Philharmonic and Past Lives OST.

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UK | BPI: UK recorded music market tops £1.5 billion as new generation of British acts make chart impact. The UK recorded music market exceeded £1.5 billion in annual revenue for the first time, according to new BPI figures for 2025. The trade revenue figures coincide with a new generation of artists—including Olivia Dean, Lola Young, Myles Smith, Skye Newman and PinkPantheress—helping to boost the domestic performance of British music. Total revenue, which combines income from streaming, physical music, digital downloads, synchronisation and public performance rose by 5.0% year-on-year to a nominal high of £1.57 billion. This outpaced the annual growth achieved the year before, with the market now growing for 11 consecutive years. The result was also in line with the 4.9% year-on-year volume increase for the UK music market reported by the BPI for 2025.

East Devon, UK | New record shop Funky Seagull opened in Sidmouth, East Devon: A new “funky” record shop has opened in East Devon. The new shop in Sidmouth, named Funky Seagull, opened on Thursday, March 12. Located at 63 High St, Sidmouth, it is next door to The Chattery and opposite the Co-op. Owner Paul, who worked in the music retail industry for nearly 20 years, will be running the shop. Funky Seagull will only be selling new records, spanning all genres from classic albums to indie, pop, hip-hop, dance, punk, post-punk, and metal. The store will also stock a range of pop culture merchandise, including drink bottles, keychains, badges, and mugs. Paul will also be selling Funko Pops, as well as Star Wars and Marvel action figures. A selection of music-related books has also been chosen for the store.

Pinellas Park, FL | Pinellas Park’s Sound Exchange store to close next month: “I am one human being and I cannot do it any more—managing two stores, two staffs, two sets of inventory, two of everything.” Pinellas County is about to lose one of its cornerstone record stores. Sound Exchange, which has had a location in Pinellas Park since 2001, will close at the end of April. The independent retail outlet at 8625 66th Street N., Pinellas Park opened in 2017, replacing an earlier incarnation on Park Boulevard. The anchor store, in Tampa, has been in business since 1987. “…We had a great 2025; the store is not failing in any way,” she insisted. “It’s just, I am one human being and I cannot do it any more—managing two stores, two staffs, two sets of inventory, two of everything. Because I’m working every day. When I’m not at the stores, I’m working from home, and it’s just not sustainable for a single person to do. Or to do well.”

Florence, IT | Move On Records is the perfect example of how cool Italian record stores can be: What makes Move On particularly ambitious is the setting. The store sits just across from the iconic Florence Cathedral, better known as the Duomo. When you love vinyl, discovering a new record store can be as energizing as hearing a great new song. That’s why, whenever you travel, whether for work or pleasure, it’s worth seeing what the local record scene has to offer. Sometimes you uncover something special, like pulling the best prize from a holiday grab bag. That’s exactly what happened on a recent stop in Florence. Move On Records takes a bold, unconventional approach to the idea of a “record store.” On the ground floor sits a classic pub celebrating the rich heritage of Italian beer. …But things really get interesting upstairs.

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Dayton, OH | Blind Rage Records to close, leaves lasting mark on Dayton music scene: ‘Other people picked up the slack and saw that this is just a thing you can do.’ Blind Rage Records—a DIY hub for Dayton’s punk and hardcore scene—will close March 22, owner Gwen Downing-Groth announced on social media. “Thank you to everyone that ever came to the shop, bought records, traded records, sold us records, shared laughs, cried with us, moshed with us, truly f— lived with us,” she wrote in the post. “Blind Rage was always about being for the community and I still feel it was a massive success and take an immense amount of pride in all we accomplished over the past (just shy of) six years.” Blind Rage will throw live and in-store events throughout the month, sending off the shop in true DIY, indie and punk fashion. This includes a stacked show Saturday, March 21—with many familiar faces from previous bills—followed by a quiet denouement on its final day.

Buffalo, NY | Black Dots Records & Bar, with Live Music in the “Garage Room.” It takes a lot to surprise me these days. But just the other night I came across an unexpected occurrence that really made me happy. It was Saturday, and my buddy and I decided to head out to have a couple of beers. We started off at one of my favorite bars—Turning Bridge Tavern in Back Rock. From there, we headed to Gypsy Parlor to get some food. At around 10:30pm, we decided to call it a night, and began walking to the car. As we passed by Black Dots Records & Bar, I noticed that they were still open, as people were still browsing the rows of vinyl. And that’s when I remembered that there was in fact, a bar in the back of the record shop. Not only was there a bar, there was also a performance area in the far back “garage room.”

Seattle, WA | Sub Pop Records leaving Denny Triangle for Seattle’s waterfront: The age-old independent record label Sub Pop Records, based in Seattle, will relocate from its Denny Triangle store to Seattle’s waterfront on April 1. Sub Pop announced it will move to a 2,688-square-foot store inside the nearly 115-year-old Maritime Building at 908 Alaskan Way for its new Sub Pop Waterfront location. A sign was posted in the window of the label’s former Amazon re:Invent tower space, a building on Amazon’s campus that houses 5,000 employees, indicating it was “closing up shop” and heading South. The record label closed its store inside Amazon’s re:Invent tower on March 8 after five years in the space, according to The Puget Sound Business Journal.

Everett, WA | Apollo Exos, hub for brews and tunes, will expand: When Sotirios Rebelos started collecting records again, he couldn’t stop himself. As a kid, vinyl was an integral part of his life. But when he got busier as an adult and slowed down his record buying, he realized he missed that aspect of his life—something he said kept him in focus. The next thing he knew, he was scrolling through online forums and buying entire collections from people as he built up a massive catalog of records on his own. “I couldn’t stop,” Rebelos said. “And I’m like, might as well open up a record store.” Since it opened in August 2024, his shop, Apollo Exos Records—a beer bar and record shop in Everett’s downtown core—has become a hub for brews and tunes.

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DeKalb, IL | Record store to reopen in DeKalb later this month: Record Store Day celebration at Green Tangerine Records will feature new releases. A local record store, now closed for renovations, will reopen later this month just in time for Record Store Day. Green Tangerine Records and Collectibles, 838 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, plans to hold a grand reopening on March 21 to help mark the occasion.

Liverpool, UK | Jacaranda Record’s ‘huge announcement’ 10 years in the making: Graham Stanley, director of Jacaranda Records, said: “There is currently no facility like it in the UK.” Liverpool’s Jacaranda Records has announced bands, artists and people will be able to create their own vinyl records in the Baltic Triangle location. The collaboration with Fat Monkey Studios, a local vinyl cutting company, has been in the aether for more than a decade. Jacaranda Records will make use of Fat Monkey Studios for its Jac Cuts project, an initiative where Jacaranda works with artists to create unique releases and special editions of existing records. The first release will be exclusive to Jacaranda Records Record Store Day customers. Graham Stanley, director of Jacaranda Records, said: “What this means, any band, no matter how small, can now release a small run of vinyl records…”

Fostoria, OH | Retro is back in Fostoria: Just across the street at 118 W. Center St. is Hooligans Record Store, which opened Dec. 5, 2025. Owner Josh Smith transformed the former Alt’s Music Center—where he took guitar lessons as a child—into a modern hub for physical media. Smith said the opportunity allows him to “bring new life to a place that meant a lot to him growing up.” “It feels special to honor the history of the space while creating something new for the next generation of music fans,” Smith said. Smith grew up with a deep love for record stores, viewing them as gateways to music outside the mainstream. …The store stocks new and used records, CDs, cassettes, and music memorabilia. Smith emphasizes the tangible experience of music, focusing on curation and community over the convenience of streaming.

Denver, CO | PigStyle becomes Loveland’s newest—and only—record store: Arjan Shaw launched new business after DOGE cuts affected his career. Arjan Shaw wanted to be his own boss. After he was laid off from his software engineering job when budget cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency canceled work his company was doing for the United States Department of Agriculture, he began to consider what that would involve. He had experience in landscaping, and enjoyed being outdoors in the summer, but that was ultimately just another job, another salary, and he wanted to pursue a passion. He found it in music, and after plenty of effort opened PigStyle, Loveland’s newest, and currently only, record store. “I’ve always been a collector myself, and (the record business) hasn’t been swallowed up by the box stores,” he said. “It’s something you can do independently.”

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Indiana, PA | Backstreet’s back: Record store returns to Indiana, sets grand opening. After leaving Indiana for a location in Punxsutawney, Backstreet Records is moving back to Indiana. And now, folks can have a hometown option for physical music starting with a grand opening at 11 a.m. Saturday at 1176 Grant St., Indiana, underneath Commonplace Coffee in the Campus Edge plaza. First opened in 1979 in Regency Mall, where TJ Maxx currently resides, Backstreet Records was a mainstay in the Indiana community during a time before streaming overtook physical media as the general populace’s main source of music. In 2006, the shop was sold to current owner Indiana-born Dave Anderson, who also works as an assistant manager at Preserving Records in New Kensington, who moved the store’s location on Seventh Street, where Zedd’s Gifts currently resides, in 2010.

Bristol, UK | Record shop to showcase local heavy metal female artists: The upcoming Mothering Sunday is expected to bring together some of the proverbial mothers of the city’s heavy metal art scene under one roof. The South West’s only specialised heavy metal record shop, Black City Records, will host the event. Heavy metal may conjure up sights and sounds of distorted guitars and abrasive noise, but that is only one aspect of a genre—it is as much a lifestyle and artistic experience as it is music. Heavy metal art is also the indecipherable logos, album covers, posters and interior decor—and many other forms of artistic expressions. Artist Howie Ridgeon, who works at Black City Records, is no stranger to the city’s heavy metal art scene through his contributions to comic book collective Thunderchair.

Burbank, CA | Vinyl Lives: Run Out Groove Records Is Burbank’s Vinyl Haven Built on Passion and Community. Southern California, home to the stars, sun-drenched memories, and some of the finest record shops on the West Coast of the United States. Through the rich musical history that has driven the area’s art scene for decades and continues to do so, many locals have been inspired to get involved. Whether you were starting a punk band in the eighties or learning about Hip-hop throughout the nineties, there is an inherent magic to So-Cal that keeps the creative juices flowing, and they all need a place to call home. That’s where Run Out Groove Records of Burbank comes in.

North Liberty, IA | After flipping vinyl to pay for film school, Isaac Smith now operates a store of his own: Zig Zog’s Records in North Liberty. The vinyl collector bug bit Isaac Smith hard after he asked his parents for a turntable on his 13th birthday. After acquiring a few thousand records since that pivotal moment in 2015, the Bettendorf native recently opened a record store of his own in North Liberty. …I first met Smith at a record fair in the summer of 2022. While making small talk at his booth, I learned that he was selling records to cover the cost of attending the University of Iowa—a self-made Vinyl Revival Scholarship, if you will. Coincidentally, it turned out that he had already enrolled in my Music & Social Change class that fall semester (for which he wrote a final paper titled “The Beach Boys Encounter Counter Culture”). I kept buying LPs from this tall young man over the years, and by this point, I have shelled out about as much as he paid in tuition to take my class, a fair trade in my opinion.

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SP | The recorded music industry in Spain closes 2025 with 13.7% rise: The recording industry closes year 2025 with very good results that translate into an increase of 13.7%, with total revenues of 409.5 million euros in “industry value”, that represent retail value of 674.5 million euros as total market value. …From the global income figures, 84% comes from sales of music in general, 347.7 million that place the industry in 2003 historic peak, though still 26% below the all-time high level of 2001, already surpassed by our surrounding countries and, in words of PROMUSICAE’s president Antonio Guisasola “with which we are still struggling in Spain due to the low penetration of music consumption through paid subscriptions.” Digital market accounts for more than 87.9% of music sales in Spain (302 million) in a year that saw physical sales, led by vinyl, rising a non-insignificant 31.6% from 2024 (with 41.7 million).

US | Why Vinyl Is Dominating the Comeback Era of Music Culture: In an age where music is often streamed at the click of a button and digital playlists dominate, vinyl records have quietly staged one of the most surprising comebacks in modern music culture. Once considered a relic of the past, vinyl has evolved into a symbol of authenticity, a tactile experience that reconnects listeners with the music itself. From seasoned collectors to a new generation of music enthusiasts, vinyl is proving that some analog traditions are too meaningful to disappear. Vinyl’s resurgence isn’t just a nostalgic trend. According to industry reports, vinyl sales have been growing steadily over the past decade, even outpacing CD sales in some markets. This revival is fueled not only by older generations reliving the music of their youth but also by younger audiences discovering the allure of analog sound.

Bryan, TX | Curious Collections listening parties: Hear new music before it’s released: Independent Bryan record store hosts new-music listening parties for local music fans. Curious Collections, an independent record store in Bryan–College Station, hosts listening parties that allow attendees to hear new music before it is available for streaming or purchase. The events are held in partnership with record labels and are free to attend. Attendees can also enter giveaways for a chance to win a grand prize. Owner Mary Jean said the store aims to participate in every listening event available across a range of artists.

Freeport, IL | Freeport record store draws fans for Harry Styles album release: Fans of pop star Harry Styles gathered at a local record store in Freeport this week for one of hundreds of listening parties held around the world celebrating the release of the singer’s highly anticipated fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time Disco Occasionally. At Re-Spun Records and Resale, fans from small towns across northern Illinois packed into the shop to hear the album together shortly after its release. “I was honestly shocked to see that Freeport was a location,” said Susan Sanchez of Lanark. The event was one of many official fan gatherings hosted by record stores worldwide to mark the album’s debut. For some attendees, the chance to celebrate locally made the experience even more meaningful.

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UK | UK vinyl sales are at an 18-year high, new report reveals: Physical shops are increasing their market share, and the number of independent stores has also grown. A new report released by the Entertainment and Retail Association (ERA) has revealed UK vinyl sales are now at an 18-year high. Physical record shops are also increasing their market share. Although online purchases and home delivery are still far and away the preferred way to shop—with more than half of units bought in this way—41.2% of all records are now sold in person, over the counter. This is reflected in an increasing number of stores. HMV, the only national music retailer in Britain, has now expanded its portfolio to 120 sites, marking a significant recovery since 2019, when it was rescued from administrators and lost about one-quarter of its locations. Independent shops have also grown, with 28 opening last year, bringing the total number across the country to 499.

Seattle, WA | Sub Pop Records leaving Amazon HQ space for new store on Seattle waterfront: Longtime Seattle independent record label Sub Pop Records is leaving Amazonia. The company announced via social media on Thursday that its retail store at 2130 7th Ave., at the base of Amazon’s re:Invent headquarters tower, is closing this Sunday after five years. A new Sub Pop store will open April 1 on the Seattle waterfront at 908 Alaskan Way. The move comes a few months after Sub Pop closed its Sea-Tac Airport location at the end of 2025, ending a 12-year run for that space near the entrance of Concourse C. Sub Pop set up its brick-and-mortar shop in the heart of Amazon’s headquarters campus in January 2021, offering merchandise ranging from clothing, knick knacks and trinkets emblazoned with the iconic Sub Pop logo to vinyl records.

Melbourne, AU | Melbourne’s record store owners are sharing their most personal tracks at a Brunswick East brewery: Record store owners are the unsung curators of Melbourne’s musical identity, and someone’s finally giving them the mic. The Art of Listening, a music club built around deep listening and connection, is taking over Keeper Brewing in Brunswick East for a three-week residency this March. The series puts the spotlight on the people behind some of Melbourne’s most beloved record stores, inviting them to share the tracks that have shaped their lives and careers. Each session kicks off with an intimate listening experience, where the guest selects and presents a hand-picked run of records with personal stories attached. Once the listening wraps up, the guest jumps on the decks for a DJ set to keep the room moving.

Los Angeles, CA | New York-based wellness brand Bathhouse will take over the former record store. A former Amoeba Music location in Los Angeles will be turned into an spa. New York wellness brand Bathhouse will turn the ex-record emporium on 6400 Sunset Boulevard into its first location on the West Coast, Los Angeles Magazine reported. Due to open in 2028, the space will become Bathhouse’s biggest outpost to date. The building, a Hollywood landmark, was home to Amoeba Music from 2001 to 2020. Considered one of the world’s largest independent record stores thanks to its massive inventory, it hosted live performances and was a beloved fixture of the city’s music scene. In 2021, the store relocated down the street and is now called Amoeba Music Hollywood. The latter has clarified that it won’t be affected by the redevelopment news. “We are NOT turning into a bathhouse,” it said in a statement.

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Pittsburgh, PA | Amazing Books and Records commits to staying in Downtown full time: Amazing Books and Records never wanted to leave Downtown. It wasn’t part of the businesses’ plan, but its old store on Liberty Avenue being sold in 2024 somewhat forced the bookstore’s hand into leaving. But after a chance at opening a pop-up store in One Oxford Centre, which lasted from November to late December last year, Eric Ackland, the owner of Amazing Books and Records, decided he wanted to stay. And just shy of one month of being in what was once the pop-up space, Ackland said things have been great. According to Levi, an employee at the bookstore who declined to provide his surname, the city has been throwing support at the bookstore.

Baltimore, MD | El Suprimo Records is a Treasure Trove of Vinyl in Fells Point: Owner Jack Moore has his own record label, plays in bands, is writing a book, and DJs—notably at an avian-themed listening party that’s become a monthly hit at The Wren. Descend the stairs from Aliceanna Street into the basement shop of Fells Point’s El Suprimo Records and you’ll quickly feel like you’ve entered not so much a record store as an archive, which indeed you have. As many as 7,000 records fill the tiny space, which is 10-by-12 feet at most. The center is a maze of stacks reaching toward the ceiling, itself decorated by discs like a vinyl version of the tin ceilings that still top many bars in the neighborhood. Bins fill both sides of the shop, divided into genres, with radios and speakers and other paraphernalia jigsawed in between more records. So many records.

London, UK | Back In The Groove: Revert to Vinyl Records at the Olympic Studios Records, Barnes. As the popularity of vinyl records has been resurged in the recent years, driven by the nostalgic sentiment attached to them, their superior sound quality and collectable nature, London has fully embraced this growing trend. The capital city of London currently possesses near to 50 vinyl record shops, with the Olympic Studios Records being a particularly notable community shop that commemorates the impressive recording history of the Olympic Studios, Barnes. A host of noteworthy artists have recorded here, including the remarkable David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Queen, among many others. The shop first opened in July of 2018, and is located at 66 Church Road, directly opposite the Olympic Studios and Cinema at SW13 0NU.

Watertown, SD | Musician opens The Groove Shop, bringing nostalgic tunes to Watertown: Shawn Lenning, a lifelong musician and music aficionado, opened The Groove Shop on Nov. 21 in downtown Watertown. Seeking to share his passion for music, the Watertown native felt there was a need for it across the community and decided to take a shot. The Groove Shop offers a wide variety of genres for collectors and listeners. He has gathered an assortment of vinyl records, CDs, cassettes and even 8-tracks. …There is a lot for visitors to enjoy at the shop. “It is kind of nostalgic when people come in,” Lenning told the Public Opinion. “It’s not a huge store, but I try to make it a little like going back in time.”

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New York, NY | Should I Get Into Vinyl Records? There are plenty of reasons to consider collecting and playing LPs of your favorite music. Saving money isn’t one of them. …I realize that some of this is just vibes: I think records are cool. Is that worth the expense of building a collection when a single LP can cost more than what a streaming subscription would run you per month? Only you can answer that. Musicians certainly see more money from a physical sale than the fractions of pennies they earn from a stream, and for some fans, buying records is a sign of devotion to their faves — never mind that many of the people driving the current boom by picking up multiple colored-vinyl variants don’t even own a turntable. In fact, I’m heartened that the original question was about collecting and playing records, because they’re meant to be played…

UK | ERA research shows record shops increasing share of vinyl sales: Research from digital entertainment and retail association ERA shows physical record shops continuing to grow in strength driven by the growth in vinyl sales. Sales of the format are at an 18-year high. While home delivery continues to account for more than half of physical music sales, bricks and mortar stores have increased their share by nearly a third since 2021 to 41.2%. They have increased their share of total music sales (including streaming) to 6.2% over the same period. Increasing demand for vinyl from millennials has led to growth for the UK’s only national music retail chain HMV, now with around 120 stores, as well as an increase in independent store openings. The total number of independents increased to 499 in 2025—up 28 on the prior year.

San Fernando, CA | San Fernando record store gets ready to unplug: The Midnight Hour Records will close at the end of the year. Owners cite financial issues and lack of city support. A record store on a quiet street in San Fernando has been making noise in the Northeast Valley the last few years, building a loyal following by giving local bands a stage for performances. “We sell records and knickknacks and whatnot as a means to pay our landlord, but we very much use this space to have community events. We have skill-shares, we have fundraisers, we have concerts,” explains owner Sergio Amalfitano. The space has been an incubation chamber for new local bands, he says: “Being a jumping-off point for a lot of people to find their own way is the most important thing we have done.” But now, $85,000 in debt and after a long struggle with city leaders, Amalfitano says he’ll have to close up…

Ontario, CA | Canadian invention: The Last Sam the Record Man is in Ontario. It was one of the worst-kept secrets in Canadian music. Was the “late-night record shop” Steven Page sang of in the Barenaked Ladies megahit Brian Wilson, in fact, the original Sam the Record Man location on Toronto’s Yonge Street? Page confirmed the reference with a tweet when founder Sam Sniderman died in 2012. The Ladies and ’90s political folk group Moxy Fruvous, of Thornhill, Ont., were among the bands who were able to sell their material at Sam’s before they made it big, music industry observer Eric Alper told CTV at the time. “He actually put their music front and centre into his store beside the Rolling Stones and The Who,” Alper said on CanadaAM. “It is unimaginable that the music scene would be the same in Canada without Sam Sniderman.”

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Record Stores Join Women In Vinyl’s International Women’s Day 1% Drive: This International Women’s Day (March 8), record stores across the country are coming together in support of Women in Vinyl through a one-day national fundraising initiative aimed at creating more access and opportunity within the vinyl and recorded music industries. …On Saturday, participating retailers will donate one percent of their in-store and online sales to Women in Vinyl, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting women and underrepresented communities working across vinyl production and the broader music ecosystem. The Women in Vinyl 1% Drive is designed as a nationwide, virtual record store “block party,” giving independent retailers a simple way to make a tangible impact with funds raised directly supporting mentorship programs, scholarships, and educational initiatives that help create pathways into careers across the vinyl supply chain.

Taylor Swift Releasing ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Glitter vinyl for Record Store Day 2026: Record Store Day 2026: Taylor Swift is again demonstrating her affection to music stores that are independent. To celebrate the 2026 edition of the Record Store Day, she is releasing a 7-inch vinyl variant of her song, Elizabeth Taylor, one of the greatest songs in The Life of a Showgirl. The single is pressed on a vividly colored cover art made of a vinyl record of Cry My Eyes Violet Glitter, and with the added detail of a special cabaret-style back side, the fans can have both a visual and auditory experience.

St. Petersburg, FL | St. Pete vintage store sees uptick in business amid economic uncertainty: …In St. Petersburg, ARTpool Gallery Boutique and Record Store is where all things funky and unique go to thrive. “ARTpool is a treasure trove of all the decades, all the genres from 1920s flapper to 1970s disco,” said owner Marina Williams. The store offers a look at secondhand hats from different decades, vintage shirts, or handmade items, and jewelry. “Sometimes they need a little more love to continue their journey on the planet,” Williams said. Williams opened ARTpool Vintage and Vinyl in 2008, and said it took a while for her business to take off. “People thought, ‘What is this? What is vintage?’” she said. “They were just so used to either being new or it being thrift.” But nearly 20 years later, things have changed. The shop has moved locations and is now a family business, with her husband’s record shop next door.

Hamilton, ON | Hamilton record shop Into the Abyss moving to a new location: Popular Hamilton record store Into the Abyss is moving to a new home. The shop originally opened on Locke Street South and spent almost five years there before making the move to another home at 267 King Street East in Hamilton’s International Village. Into the Abyss has been at that location since 2022, offering a well-curated selection of new and used records plus other features like vintage clothing and intimate concerts hosted in-store. Now, the shop has freshly shared plans to move to a brand-new home in a few weeks’ time. But don’t worry: that new location is only two blocks away from their previous home!

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Boise, ID | The scene spins on: Inside Boise’s local record shops. In an era dominated by streaming, some music spaces are still betting on something you can hold in your hands. Across the Treasure Valley, independent record stores are building communities centered on physical media, face-to-face conversation and the thrill of discovery. Whether you’re a vinyl lover or first-time collector, these three shops believe Boise’s music culture isn’t fading, but getting louder. Disc-Cover Records (1224 1st St S #202, Nampa) Disc-Cover Records in Downtown Nampa is an independent record store built on risk, passion and deep community roots. Founded by lifelong music collector Al Babbitt, the store first took shape when he recognized a gap in the local music scene and made a bold career leap to fill it…

Morrow, GA | Retro Alley con­nect­ing the com­munity through music: Retro Alley is a record store in the heart of The District in Morrow—not only offering a wide variety of vinyl records, CDs and even cassettes but also collectibles and jewelry. Christi Lee, owner of Retro Alley, founded the store after using the space as a Christmas store in 2010. She started collecting records in a storage unit for a year, and once the store was back on the market, she pulled the trigger and decided to follow her passion for music. Following her passion would result in her opening Retro Alley in 2023 with the goal of uniting the Clayton County community through music. “I always thought that I would have my own store. I wanted to give young people a place to come and see what a record store really should be like, getting to know people talking about music,” she said.

Dayton, OH | Record store in Oregon District to close in March: A record store in Dayton’s Oregon District will close in late March. Blind Rage Records, located at 506 E. Fifth St., announced on social media that the store’s last day of business will be Sunday, March 22. The business is known for punk music records, but also has genres like hip-hop, metal, pop and more. The business owner explained in the post that she is grateful for the community’s support throughout the years. “Blind Rage was always about being for the community and I still feel it was a massive success and take an immense amount of pride in all we accomplished over the past (just shy of) six years,” said the owner. Special events are expected to occur for the business “to send off the shop in style.”

Elkins Park, PA | Owners of Goat House Creamery in Elkins Park are adding a vinyl records store + coffee shop in the adjoining storefront: Thomas Spisak-Mosher and Tom Fleischer, longtime friends and co-owners of Goat House Creamery in Elkins Park (Cheltenham Township), have joined with existing owners Johanna Garcia and Jason Winfield to significantly expand the space. Spisak-Mosher told Glenside Local that plans currently include adding a vinyl shop to Goat House’s current offerings by knocking down the wall that adjoins 7908 High School Road and 7910 High School Road. The latter was previously a dress shop which closed in December. The new conglomeration will become something of a small market with all three ideas in one shared location.

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UK | Olivia Dean Announced As Ambassador For Record Store Day UK: …As part of this year’s event, the Grammy-winning and multi-BRIT-nominated London artist will release ‘Live At The BBC’, featuring her performances of songs by Carole King and boygenius. …Dean said: “It’s such an honour to be the Record Store Day Ambassador for 2026. Independent record stores are such special spaces to discover and share music—to actually touch it and feel it. I’ve found so much inspiration in the records I’ve collected over the years and am so grateful for all the hidden gems I’ve found. I want to thank the record stores around the world for all the support you’ve given me over the years. It’s so important we continue to support them and keep them alive!”

Tyldesley, UK | Tyldesley record store expands after six months of success: A Tyldesley record shop is expanding after just six months in business due to its ongoing success. Resurrection Records on Elliott Street in Tyldesley opened its doors in October last year in the hopes of introducing younger residents to vinyl records. Opened by Lynsey Boardman, 43 and partner, Mark, 55, the shop boasts vinyl records from classic artists such as the Rolling Stones to modern pop stars like Taylor Swift, including local performers such as The Lottery Winners. The shop is now expanding into a larger venue next door due to the ongoing success of the shop. Speaking to the Journal about the shop’s success, Lynsey said: “Mark has always worked as a DJ and it has always been his dream to open a record shop. When we first opened in Tyldesley, people were saying that we wouldn’t last six months, but we’ve been really busy, and we have all types of people coming in each week.”

Manchester, UK | In the groove: Manchester’s cult record shops and indie venues. Mancunians describe their home as “a city that thinks a table is for dancing on”. Nowhere is this truer than in Manchester’s music venues, whether you’re listening to synth rock in basement bars or indie bands in iconic clubs. From the much-missed Boardwalk where Oasis played their first gig to a club where Elbow pulled pints, Manchester’s storied music scene has launched careers, celebrated local talent and welcomed international artists. That’s why the arrival of The BRIT Awards 2026, sponsored by Mastercard, is such a significant cultural moment, bringing national recognition that exciting talent and creativity thrive beyond London. The move is a huge nod to Manchester’s active role in championing up-and-coming artists and giving them places to be seen and heard. Let’s take a look at some of its renowned venues.

Edmonds, WA | How This Edmonds Record Store is Supporting Women in Vinyl on International Women’s Day: On March 8—also known as International Women’s Day—Edmonds-based record store Musicology Co. will be participating in a “1% for WIV” campaign to support Women in Vinyl, a national nonprofit that works to lift up women and underrepresented voices within the vinyl industry. Rachel Gardner, owner of Musicology and Women in Vinyl board member, is leading the initiative locally. During the fundraiser, a percentage of Musicology’s sales will be donated to WIV to fund mentorship programs, scholarships, and career-development opportunities for DJs, producers, cutting engineers, and pressing-plant operators. Musicology will also be hosting live music and in-store activations throughout the day.

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