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

US | Led by Taylor Swift, U.S. Vinyl Sales Rose for 19th Consecutive Year in 2025: Luminate Year-End Report. …The report is filled with notable information and statistics, but perhaps most striking are the vinyl sales—led by Taylor Swift’s “Life of a Showgirl”—which rose for the 19th consecutive year in 2025. Additional notes from the report in bullet points below. …U.S. vinyl sales increased for the 19th consecutive year, growing by +8.6% to 47.9 million units. Total U.S. Physical Album Sales increased by +6.5%. U.S. Digital Album Sales dropped by -15.9%.

US/UK | Rough Trade reveals 50th anniversary plans including subscription for vinyl exclusives: Rough Trade has revealed its 50th anniversary plans for 2026 with a year-long programme of releases and events. Founded in West London in 1976, Rough Trade is a globally recognised independent music brand and community space. The anniversary coincides with new figures on vinyl sales from ERA and the BPI showing continued growth for the format. Central to the 50th anniversary celebrations is a curated series of 50 essential albums spanning five decades, from 1976 to 2025, featuring era-defining albums by artists including Patti Smith, Aphex Twin, Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds, Björk, The xx, Rina Sawayama, Pulp and many more. The albums will be released as Rough Trade exclusive vinyl editions in five drops of 10 titles starting next month, each representing a decade.

Alexandria, VA | Flooded Del Ray record store raises over $5K in one day for recovery efforts: Over $5,000 has been fundraised for Crooked Beat Records less than a day after the flooded Del Ray business published fundraisers on social media to support its restoration. A GoFundMe and merchandise fundraiser have quickly garnered more than $5,300 for the vinyl shop, after a burst pipe incident flooded it with several inches of water over the weekend. As of yesterday (Tuesday), water had continued to enter the shop but crews were working to address damage, according to a Facebook video by owner Bill Daly. “About 30 minutes ago, the water started coming in again,” Daly said in the post, which published just before 2 p.m. “You can see the crew back here … they thought they fixed everything, but there’s more problems.”

Glasgow, UK | Huge queue formed outside Glasgow record shop for iconic Noughties band: Blue mania has returned to Glasgow in full force. Fans queued outside Assai Records on Wednesday, January 14, to meet one of the UK’s best-loved boybands, Blue, to mark the release of their latest album, Reflections. The group, comprised of Simon Webbe, Duncan James, Antony Costa and Lee Ryan, spent the evening meeting fans, signing copies of the album and posing for photos inside the city-centre record store, drawing a crowd of long-time supporters. Blue rose to prominence in the early 2000s and became one of the UK’s most successful boybands, scoring a string of hit singles including All Rise, One Love and Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word, a collaboration with Elton John that reached number one in 2002.

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Grand Junction, CO | Physical media sees resurgence on the Western Slope: Local media stores are witnessing renewed interest in physical formats as streaming and digital consumption continue to dominate entertainment. Matthew Cesario with Triple Play Records said he has seen a notable spike over the last year. “CD sales in general have grown. Also, cassette sales have grown. They’re making cassettes again, so you can get certain things on cassette,” Cesario said. While he reports an increase in CD and cassette sales, Vinyl still reigns supreme within the physical music realm. “Vinyl’s grown for a solid 10 years,” he said. “Vinyl used to be really hard to get. Certain records you couldn’t find. It’s the opposite now. You can get about anything on vinyl and it’s really hard to get CDs. They’re not making enough for the demand.”

Hyattsville, MD | A New Addition to Hyattsville Vinyl Culture: Fireplace Records. Hyattsville has a new spot for music lovers seeking community and tunes—Fireplace Records. Founded by four DJs and lifelong vinyl collectors, the new store, located at 4344 Farragut Street, opened in November 2025 and sells records and more. The owners say their shared passion for music transformed into a storefront where seasoned collectors and newcomers can explore a rich world of media. The owners—Anthony Mims, Black Wilson, DJ 2-Tone Jones and DJ Iran—old vinyl for more than 10 years at farmers markets, and since 2021 at the monthly Crate Convention in the District’s Anacostia Arts Center. Their combined expertise and love for vinyl led them to pool resources and open Fireplace Records. “…We just concerted our efforts together and got it done,” Wilson said.

Portland, ME | Vinyl, books, and VCRs: Mainers look to disconnect from modern tech: Local record and bookstore owners say more customers are turning to physical media to escape the digital “overload” they see on their screens every day. It’s a trend happening across the country—and it’s showing up in Maine too. Vinyl album sales in the U.S. rose for the 18th straight year in 2024, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. And it’s not just records. Several local stores say they’re seeing more people looking to disconnect from digital life by turning to older, more traditional formats—like books, DVDs, and even VCRs. At Electric Buddhas in Portland, store owner Mike Breton says the shift is clear. …Breton says many of his customers are looking for something they can hold—something real.

Boonton, NJ | “Welcome to Hidden Tracks Records.” Boonton, NJ’s Main Street has become a vibrant, revitalized historic downtown. Somewhere between the coffee houses, art studios and cozy cafes, you’ll find Hidden Tracks Records, a welcoming spot for music discovery and community. Owners Shane and Michele Murphy have been able to manifest their passion for music and create a place where the love of vinyl and live music converge. Once inside, you notice the care and well curated selection of new and used records. The atmosphere has a cafe-like charm with a front lounge area nestled by a full stage for live events. Most notably, Ken Stringfellow (The Posies) recently graced the stage. New Jersey Stage had an opportunity to catch up with Shane and hear more about Hidden Tracks Records and their expansion into a record label.

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Keynsham, UK | The vinyl curtain as Longwell Records quits Keynsham: Celebrated independent music store Longwell Records is leaving Keynsham. Having traded from Temple Street for almost 10 years, it has struggled financially in recent times and needs more customers to survive. Owner Iain Aitchison said the shop would be leaving Keynsham at the end of January and reopening in Clifton Arcade sometime in February. He described Keynsham as one of the best towns around, adding: “It’s heartbreaking but that’s the reality of a small business, especially a niche business like this.” Many customers have told Iain of their shock and sadness at the decision. One said on Facebook: “Wishing you all the very best in your new home but sad you’re going.” Another said: “Best of luck with the move and hope you have a brilliant final month in Keynsham.”

Amsterdam, DK | Amsterdam Vinyl Record Shops—A Definitive Crate Digger’s Trail: Outside of the UK, where are the best cities in Europe to go vinyl record hunting? Martin Gray takes time out to conduct a comprehensive store-by-store itinerary/tour of the plethora of record shops in his beloved city of Amsterdam, to reassert his belief that the cultural capital of the Netherlands is also an undisputed mecca for vinyl junkies. Mention Amsterdam to many and most people would think: sin city, hedonism central, weed capital of the world (sex and drugs and coffee shops, is that all your body needs?) and, of course, plenty of red lights. Oh, and conveniently overlook the fact that it has more museums per square mile than any other city in Europe, and when it comes to art and culture—both highbrow mainstream and underground grass roots—it leaves most cities more than twice its size in the shade.

Hitchin, UK | Meet the man behind Hitchin’s new record shop JP’s Records: A new record shop is coming to Hitchin, with the owner hoping to make it somewhere that people can “lose themselves in music.” JP’s Records is opening in the basement of Ronan’s Coffee at 50a Walsworth Road in February, with the Jack Perry, the man behind the business revealing more about his venture. “We will have a strong focus on rock, indie and pop, while still offering a broad mix of genres to encourage discovery,” he said. “The shop will stock a carefully curated selection of new and used vinyl, alongside vintage band T-shirts and other music-related bits. “It’s designed as a relaxed, welcoming space where people can spend time discovering new music, revisiting classics, finding that gem and chatting about music.

US | The best record stores thriving in major US cities: …Criminal Records (Atlanta, GA): Criminal Records in Atlanta is more than a record store; it’s a cultural staple. Known for its colorful decor and extensive vinyl collection, it attracts a diverse crowd of music lovers and comic enthusiasts. The store’s unique blend of music and pop culture creates an engaging atmosphere. Shoppers can browse through records, comics, and collectibles, enjoying the eclectic mix. The staff’s passion for music is evident, offering personalized recommendations for curious shoppers. Criminal Records is a beloved spot for those seeking a distinctive blend of music and culture in Atlanta.

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Alexandria, VA | Del Ray record store considers relocation after shutting down amid ‘catastrophic flooding.’ Following significant flooding after a water leak this past weekend, a vinyl record store in Del Ray has closed for the foreseeable future and is considering a move. Crooked Beat Records owner Bill Daly told ALXnow today (Monday) that a pipe on the roof of the building burst, flooding the basement record shop at 2417 Mount Vernon Avenue with several inches of water and ruining merchandise. “It hit a lot of our rare records,” Daly said. “There might be $25,000 to $30,000 worth of damage in here.” …Fixtures in the basement space are wood, and he is worried about mold setting in. “I’m kind of nervous about bringing in stock here, because nothing’s getting repaired and addressed. We want to stay in the neighborhood. We love this location, but we can’t get hit like this again.”

Hamilton, BM | The Music Box takes a bow after decades of service: Two sisters who spent their working lives at a Hamilton music store will close the iconic business by the end of the month. The Music Box announced it would shut its doors after about 70 years in business. Helena Escolastica, who ran the store for 13 years with her sister, Geneveve, said the closure had been a long time coming, with music streaming playing a role. She added: “I’ve had a lot of people come in here almost crying, saying that they grew up knowing this place. “So did I—I started here when I was 15 and I’m now 65. I’ve been here pretty much my entire life. “I’ve seen people who used to come here when they were children — now they’re married and they’ve had their own kids. “A lot of people have told us that we’re going to be missed.”

San Diego, CA | Folk Arts Rare Records brings Lou Curtiss’ music collection to the people: In the bustling Folk Arts Rare Records shop in City Heights, owner Brendan Boyle is flipping through a cardboard box of records. “There’s really important blues recordings … Tampa Red … Son House … early Portuguese string music,” Boyle rattled off. When asked if we could listen to “Portuguese String Music 1908-1931,” Boyle said he had never heard the record before—an experience he says never gets old. “Music’s a whole universe. It’s intimidating, but just let it intimidate you—and listen to it,” Boyle said. “It’s a collection of music from 1908 to 1931. Came out 1989. And I’m sure Lou knew the person at this record label.” At Folk Arts, it seems like everything leads back to its founder—the late folk music legend Lou Curtiss.

AU | Record Store Day Returns in 2026 as Vinyl Culture Continues Its Comeback: Record Store Day is officially spinning back around in 2026, once again shining a spotlight on Australia’s independent record stores and the communities that keep… Record Store Day is officially spinning back around in 2026, once again shining a spotlight on Australia’s independent record stores and the communities that keep physical music culture alive. Returning on Saturday, April 18th 2026, Record Store Day will champion the store owners and staff, artists, labels, and music lovers alike. Since its beginnings in 2008, it has grown into a global celebration of independent music retail. The day continues to support music communities, labels, emerging and established artists, while supporting our local indie record stores, highlighting their unique role as cultural hubs and community spaces.

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IE | Vinyl sales jump 20% in ‘exceptional year’ for Irish acts, music industry group says: Taylor Swift tops the charts as Irish Recorded Music Association says sales rose in all segments—streaming, CD, vinyl and music cassette. Vinyl record sales jumped 20 per cent last year with Irish acts featuring more strongly than the previous year, according to the Irish Recorded Music Association (Irma). Almost 480,000 physical records were sold in the State as the vinyl revival continues to be a significant feature of the music market. Taylor Swift’s latest album The Life of a Showgirl topped the charts for overall and vinyl album sales, repeating the table-topping success of her Tortured Poet’s Department release in 2024.

San Fernando, CA | The Midnight Hour is Much More Than a Record Store: Despite its popularity, this year will be its last in the City of San Fernando. On a crisp December evening, like moths to a flame, punks, goths and “outcasts” of all ages float toward the glowing sign of The Midnight Hour Records in the City of San Fernando. Located on the corner of San Fernando Road and Maclay Avenue, the shop is one of the only places open at night on the mall, well after the quinceñera and bridal shops close their doors for the day. It makes its presence known in the “quaint” valley town, lining its windows with Pride, Transgender, Palestine, United Farmworkers and anti-ICE flags—a bold statement of “you are welcome here” to all those who may feel like outsiders. Owner Sergio Amalfitano abides by an ethos of “community over commodities,” which has made the shop a cultural hub for the Northeast Valley and a destination for Angelenos at large.

Loudonville, OH | Operation Fandom/Blackbird Records opens new Loudonville location: May the merch be with you at the new Operation Fandom and Black Bird Records opening in Loudonville. Owner Josh Lehman had plans to expand his brand since earlier this year, looking at Mount Vernon and Bellville. But as fate would have it, a downtown Loudonville building, located at 149 West Main St., seemed to be the perfect fit. …Lehman landed on Loudonville because it was the right place at the right time for the right price; although the original plan was to open the new store in 2026. …The store will feature three sections: collectibles and fandom items in the front, records in the back and, by spring, the back room will become the newly established Blackbird Books, Curiosities and Apothecary.

Doral, FL | New Record Store Opens in Doral With Diverse Vinyl Selection: Crazy Vinyl Record offers new and used vinyl with a focus on soul, funk, jazz, Latin, and more. High-Fidelity lovers in the west side of town now have a new local haven to fulfill their sonic fantasies. After years of pop-ups, crate-digging events, and online sales, Crazy Vinyl Record has opened its first brick-and-mortar location, and it’s planted its flag in Doral. Founded by Marcos Mirabal, Crazy Vinyl Record joins the ranks of Miami vinyl staples like Sweat Records, Technique Records, and Lucky Records. But rather than setting up in the usual neighborhoods, Crazy Vinyl is carving out new ground in a less-traveled part of town. The store marks a new chapter for a business that grew organically out of Miami’s vinyl-loving community. “Music is a fascinating journey. We don’t separate records by genre here—it’s very normal to love Michael Jackson, Metallica, and Miles Davis at the same time, and all of that lives under the letter ‘M’,” Mirabal tells New Times, laughing.

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Patchogue, NY | Record Cafe brings vinyl, guitars and speciality coffee to Patchogue: Patchogue has a new hangout for music lovers—and caffeine seekers. Record Cafe quietly opened this fall, offering a mix of specialty coffee, vinyl records and guitars under one roof. The storefront sits just behind Main Street along Terry Street and is designed as a community space for collectors and creatives. Inside, there are roughly 2,000 vinyl records for sale, plus used and new guitars to buy, browse or trade. Music spins throughout the day as customers sip espresso and flip through crates. The concept comes from owner Yofry Perez-Drebing, who moved to Long Island several years ago after running businesses in South America. “I have [vinyl from] a lot bands in different countries,” said Perez-Drebing.

Cardiff, UK | The unlikely love story that ended with a couple owning a Welsh record store: In the summer of 2025 two of Cardiff’s long-standing music shops faced closure after their owners chose to retire after decades. While D’Vinyl in Mackintosh Place closed its doors after 30 year The Record Shop, also in Roath in nearby Inverness Place, was bought by a new owner. Canadian-born Jason Garrow’s life led him to Cardiff where he took over the record store after meeting and falling in love with a Welsh woman. The 51-year-old met his now-wife, Jayne, 50 while they were both attending a festival in Las Vegas in 2014. …Jason said he has had a “warm welcome” since opening with the shop often busy with customers. …As well as looking through the thousands of vintage records you can also meet the couple’s 14-year-old dog Bella who often sleeps on the counter.

Nashville, TN | The Groove record shop in final days at East Nashville location, plans 2026 move: December 31 marks the final day for The Groove record store at its familiar Calvin Ave. location in East Nashville. The owners are now working out details on the store’s next location and plan to announce where they’ll move in 2026. While this isn’t a goodbye to a Nashville business, many are reflecting on the memories made on Calvin Ave. The Groove is a record store that leans into the unique. A wall displayed a poster of the 1987 film The Monster Squad while a Kylie Minogue album played in the room. “Oh, they got Charlie Brown!” said one customer, pointing to a soundtrack for It’s The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown. “…I know I may sound kind of dramatic, but I think this may be my favorite record shop in the world,” a customer smiled.

Somerville, MA | With Gen Z Using Vinyl As Décor, Somerville Record Shop Owner Weighs In: According to a survey by Vinyl Alliance, 37% of Gen Z vinyl buyers are using their records as a form of home decor. Wayne Rogers, owner of Stereo Jacks in Somerville, is skeptical that they’re not getting play-time. “I would put more stock in if I knew people who did that or knew customers who did that,” Rogers said. “I don’t know anyone who does that.” Other local record store owners told WBZ NewsRadio that they had, in-fact, seen younger customers use records just as decoration, but that in large part, the vinyl was also being played. Rogers said young people’s desire for vinyl has always been there, but that music companies have begun to put out physical records of modern artists like Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, and Gen-Z is buying those up.

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Brooklyn, NY | Beloved family-run record store in Brooklyn to close its doors amid financial challenges: A beloved Brooklyn record shop that’s been part of the Bensonhurst community for nearly 60 years is preparing to close its doors. Silvana Conte’s parents opened SAS Italian Records in 1967, driven by a dream to bring Italian-Americans a taste of home. …The shop has become a neighborhood staple, but following the recent passing of Conte’s mother, it will soon close its doors for good. Conte says she kept the store open to preserve her mother’s legacy, but with mounting financial challenges, the family has made the painful decision to let it go. “She used to come down here and say, ‘This is my goal store. This is what I created.’ And I said, ‘Don’t worry, it’s going to be here.’ And now she’s not here and I can’t—I did what I could,” she said, holding back tears.

Waterloo, ON | Sunrise Records in Conestoga Mall permanently closing: Staff and customers at Waterloo’s Sunrise Records in Conestoga Mall are preparing for a final farewell with the store closing on Dec. 31. The store specializes in music and movies, being one of the few local places that still sells CDs and vinyl records. Employees say customers have shared their sadness to see the store go. “It makes me emotional every time because people are so heartbroken about it, just like we said,” said Erin Witt, who has been working at the location for the last three years. Though staff say they don’t know much about why the store is closing, they have heard it has to do with lease negotiations. “Sales have been great. Customers, we got a lot of positive feedback,” explained 14-month employee Dalton Saddon. “So, it’s a complete and utter shock.”

Austin, TX | End of an era: old Waterloo Records site may soon be cleared for development. After the iconic record store’s big move, its original shop could be demolished. In 2025, one of Austin’s most famous vinyl record stores underwent some big changes, moving locations and acquiring new owners. Waterloo Records relocated a few blocks away from its home of four decades and now has more space for performances and amenities including a gold record room, a podcast studio, and a cafe. But the fate of the old location where the iconic record store stood for years is now in flux, facing potential demolition. This week, the property owner submitted a demolition permission application, bringing the location one step closer to a long-term makeover. The shop’s Sixth and Lamar site had been in danger of closing for some time. In 2019, Endeavor Real Estate Group purchased that property. Waterloo relocated and reopened at the end of August.

SG | 19 Best Vinyl Record Stores in Singapore For A Throwback To Before Music Streaming Was A Thing: With Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, we have a world of music quite literally at our fingertips. But for vinyl enthusiasts and aficionados of analog audio, there’s nothing more satisfying about the experience of buying an LP, slipping the shiny new record out of its sleeve, placing it on a turntable, and gently dropping the needle—a far more elaborate ritual than letting an algorithm choose songs for you. There’s no logical reason to buy vinyl over music streaming—it’s a purely emotional experience. If you’re looking to get acquainted with the magic of analog music, here are vinyl record stores in Singapore for rare secondhand LPs or a brand new pressing of Taylor Swift’s latest album.

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US/UK | Record Store Day 2026 date revealed: Over 280 UK indie shops will participate this year. The 19th instalment of RSD—which celebrates independent record shops and vinyl culture in the UK—is due to take place on Saturday, April 18. More than 280 UK record shops will take part this year, alongside thousands of indie retailers worldwide. These are set to stock an array of exclusive physical releases and host some in-store events. According to organisers, RSD will announce its official UK ambassador and reveal the slate of hundreds of vinyl over the coming months. This year’s partners include BBC Radio 6 Music, Bowers & Wilkins, Jack Daniel’s x Metropolis: REVIVE LIVE, and War Child. Rich Clarke, Head Of Music at War Child, said: “We’re delighted to be a long-term partner of Record Store Day, celebrating independent record shops and the communities who support them.”

Bonita Springs, FL | DJ Pat Pat opens Disco Bean in Bonita Springs: Coffee, vinyl records and groovy vibes opens Monday (12/29). Bonita Springs is about to experience a new fusion of bold flavors and vintage sound. DJ Pat Pat, a well-known Southwest Florida DJ is hosting the grand opening Monday, Dec. 29 …“I wanted to create a place where coffee and music live in the same moment,” says founder Patty Amandis, known as DJ Pat Pat. “I’ve spent my life behind the decks, and this is me bringing that energy into a space where people can connect, slow down, and enjoy great coffee and great music together.” …Its speakeasy-style atmosphere transports guests back in time while they enjoy freshly sourced coffee, tea, beer and wine, hand-scooped ice cream, donuts, grab and go sandwiches, and a full vinyl record shop featuring new artists, classics and rare finds.

Buffalo, NY | Revolver Records closing Hertel location: The popular record store chain is closing its North Buffalo location on January 25, their Elmwood and Transit locations will remain open. A beloved Buffalo record store is closing its doors later this month. After a decade in North Buffalo, Revolver Records announced Sunday that they will be shuttering their Hertel Avenue location later this month. In a social media post, the record chain’s owner Phil Machemer thanked the music-lover and collecting communities alike for their support over the past ten years saying, “when I opened this store it was a dream come true and I’ll always be thankful for those who have supported my business along the way. It has been an honor to serve the Hertel community for so long and I hope that you will continue to shop at one of our other two locations.”

Westerly, RI | Therapy Coffee: Locally roasted coffee, vinyl records and a relaxed atmosphere. Coffee lovers and breakfast enthusiasts alike can expect fresh ingredients and at Therapy Coffee in Westerly, located in the Mill Pond Plaza at 105 Franklin St. The coffee beans are very locally sourced, coming from a roaster based out of Wood River Junction, and additionally, music lovers also will have a reason to visit. There are many vinyl records that are available to browse or purchase alongside their meal, and take a look around the numerous album covers placed around the restaurant as decoration. The operating hours are 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. On top of all this, customers will find a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere with a friendly barista, who also happens to be the owner, chef and waiter.

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UK | Vinyl sales surge for 18th consecutive year, led by Taylor Swift’s record-breaking releases: Vinyl sales have experienced remarkable growth for the past 18 consecutive years, with a notable surge of 13% year-on-year, bringing total sales to 7.6 million units. Leading this resurgence is Taylor Swift’s “Life Of A Showgirl,” which has captured audiences and secured top position in sales. Additionally, her limited edition release “Lover (Live From Paris),” available for just 72 hours on her website, made waves by selling 47,000 copies during that brief time frame. This significant sales achievement marked a historic milestone, as it became the first album in eight years to reach number one on pure sales—highlighting a shift in consumer preferences, with no streams contributing to its total.

UK | BPI: UK stars make global impact and physical maintains momentum but streaming growth slows in 2025: The UK recorded music market grew for an 11th consecutive year, according to the latest BPI figures for 2025. British breakthrough artists including Olivia Dean, Lola Young and Skye Newman led a British music revival in the UK and globally amid growing optimism about domestic talent, The BPI has revealed that overall recorded music consumption across sales and streams increased by 4.9% annually over the past 12 months to reach a new high of 210.3 million albums (or their streamed equivalent) consumed. While that’s a solid performance, it also marks a slowdown compared to the double-digit streaming growth of recent years. Music Week has reported on the reduction of the increase in streaming consumption amid signs that the UK market is maturing.

North Windham, ME | Retailer Bull Moose to close North Windham store: Bull Moose, a Portland-based purveyor of music, books, movies and games owned by its employees, said it plans to close its store in North Windham after 35 years in business. The company plans to close the store, located at the North Windham Shopping Center, at the end of this month. “We have worked hard to keep this store going, but the realities of the space make it increasingly difficult to serve our customers and staff the way we believe they deserve,” the company said. Bull Moose, led by its founder and interim CEO Brett Wickard, gave no further reason for the closure. “This was a difficult decision,” Wickard said in a statement emailed to Mainebiz.

Laconia, NH | Pair of record shops spin competition into collaboration: New Hampshire Vintage Vinyl’s Dan McLaughlin will now source discs for Defiant Records & Craft Beer. The teams at neighboring shops New Hampshire Vintage Vinyl and Defiant Records & Craft Beer are coming together to sell music downtown. Vintage Vinyl and Defiant are located at two corners of Main and Canal streets, directly across from one another, and a collaboration between those two businesses seems natural. Circumstances were changing for the way Defiant sources their records, which they display and sell inside the craft beer bar. A sales representative they’ve worked with for years moved on, and so the team there turned to Dan McLaughlin, owner of Vintage Vinyl. He’ll supply Defiant with high-quality records from here on out. “I think it’s a good partnership,” Kristin Bastille, owner of Defiant, said on Wednesday. “It’s definitely brought in more of a rotation.”

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Washington, DC | Five D.C. area record shops and their favorite new albums from 2025: 2025 brought a number of album releases that kept us grooving from January until now. But there was so much new music released this year that it is nearly impossible to enjoy it all…or even to know where to start. WAMU arts and culture reporter Darryl C. Murphy paid a visit to some of the D.C. region’s top record stores to find out what new albums from 2025 topped their favorites list, as well as some local acts to look out for in 2026.

Minneapolis, MN | Minneapolis’ top record store names its 2025 bestsellers: In-store appearances paid off for artists who made it to Minneapolis’ best-known record store in 2025, but they couldn’t top the performer behind this year’s much-ballyhooed Super Bowl appearance. Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” was the Electric Fetus’ top-selling record of 2025, according to the store’s annual year-end list. Released to streaming sites in November 2024, the album was issued on vinyl in January just before the Pulitzer Prize-winning Los Angeles rapper’s halftime gig at Super Bowl LIX in February and his tour kickoff at U.S. Bank Stadium in April. “The Super Bowl gave it a boost, but really it’s been a steady seller all year,” said Jim Novak, the Electric Fetus’ music buyer. “I think that’s a testament to how it’s just a very solid record.”

Akron, OH | Popular Akron record store closes after nearly 25 years in business: The Akron community has said goodbye to longtime record store Square Records. “I’m not too pleased about it, because this was my favorite spot to go,” said customer Brian Corrigan. The store opened back in 2003 in Highland Square and quickly became a community staple. It was known for its wide selection of post-punk, new wave, independent, hip-hop and jazz. “One thing that really drew me to this place is it has a more curated selection compared to other record stores,” said customer Aidan Miller. For over 23 years, the record store became a hotspot people looked forward to visiting.

Kansas City, MO | Drop the Needle: A guide to KC’s record stores. Even in the age of digital streaming, independent record stores across Kansas City are alive and well. There’s something grounding and intentional about the tactile nature of vinyl: dropping the needle, flipping the disc and taking in an album from start to finish. From vintage rarities to new releases, the records at these local shops are keeping the art of listening alive. Sister Anne’s Records and Coffee: In the ’90s, Frank Alvarez and Jim Oshel’s friendship blossomed as co-workers at the vinyl shop Westport Recycled Sound. The business closed in 2006, but the pair remained close as Oshel put down roots at Overland Park’s now-defunct Vinyl Renaissance and Alvarez opted for a career change at Broadway Cafe. Today, the duo co-owns Sister Anne’s Records and Coffee.

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New York, NY | An East Village record store had the vinyl find of a lifetime—on an island in Maine: Andy Breslau was browsing at Ergot Records a couple of years ago when he stopped short. The East Village shop had an entire section devoted to the relatively obscure folk singer Kath Bloom and her longtime guitarist Loren Mazzacane Connors. “I put out a record by these guys,” Breslau told the man behind the counter. Breslau, who now runs communications at the Alliance for Downtown New York, is a lifelong music fan who ran the short-lived label Ambiguous Records in the early 1980s. …Breslau had pressed 1,200 LPs back in 1982, but with little demand at the time, they went largely unsold. He had hundreds of leftover copies sitting in the basement of his second home in the tiny island town of Vinalhaven, Maine. They’d been untouched for decades.

Melbourne, AU | Spin city: Melbourne is officially the record store capital of the world: With 5.9 stores per 100,000 residents, Melbourne is home to more record stores per capita than any other city on Earth. …For The Record, a new study commissioned by the Victorian Music Development Office, has found that Melbourne boasts more record shops per capita than any city on Earth: 5.9 stores per 100,000 residents, beating Tokyo, London and Berlin. With 119 independent record stores, the city is home to half of Australia’s independent vinyl outlets. The research, delivered by Ethan Holben and Audience Strategies, took a deep dive into Victoria’s vinyl ecosystem, from pressing plants (Victoria produces 66 per cent of Australia’s total) to distributors and retailers who keep local music alive. The findings reveal a city that spins a whole heap of records, and seriously champions Australian music.

Chorley, UK | We should have a plaque to commemorate Malcolm—readers call for icon’s legacy to live on after shop closure: ‘I think we should have a plaque to commemorate Malcolm, maybe a vinyl record-shaped one’ were just some of the many comments from readers upon hearing that Malcolm’s Musicland in Chorley has closed. Updating the store’s Facebook profile pic with a picture of the late Malcolm Allen record store that served the Chorley community and alongside his beloved records, writing etched above the image sadly reads “Permanently Closed.” A reason has not been given for the decision to close ahead of Christmas, but much loved owner Malcolm Allen, who ran Malcolm’s Musicland for over 50 years offering a friendly chat and a supportive ear to all who entered, sadly passed away in July after a decade-long battle with prostate cancer.

Monterey, CA | Recycled Records in Monterey celebrates what is believed to be 50 years in business. If your grandparents had a record player and lived in Monterey, then chances are something in their collection came from Recycled Records – or perhaps is on the shelf there now. Half a century marks the time Recycled Records is believed to have been in existence, but it has changed hands a lot during that time. Still, the same analog attitude is felt when you walk in: A record is often playing on the house system and has a story behind it that shop owners Kellen and Bree Cookson can tell. …The couple has been collecting records individually for about 15 years. Recycled Records stood out to them as the go-to shop when they moved to Monterey County—something they say audiophiles look for in a new town.

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New Bedford, MA | New Bedford welcomes Record High, a vinyl haven at Kilburn Mill: New Bedford’s newest record shop opened this month inside of Kilburn Mill, sparked by its owner’s passion for music and community Record High is located on the first floor of the mill building, fitting in perfectly amongst the vintage stores, toy shops, tattoo parlors, barbershops, photography studios and more that make Kilburn Mill just as eclectic as the mix of albums owner Todd Foy has placed in the bins. “I want to recreate the ‘record store of yesteryear’ with a modern twist,” Foy said. “You used to go to the record store with friends, get the newest drop from your favorite artist, and just hang out. I want this space to be welcoming to everyone and for people to disconnect from what lately feels like a very chaotic and fast-moving world.”

Atlanta, GA | CratesATL spins new life into South Downtown: Moods Music owner Darryl Harris expands his vinyl vision to historic Hotel Row. A new record store has opened in the heart of downtown Atlanta. CratesATL, on Mitchell Street’s Historic Hotel Row, opened its doors this past spring, adding a new rhythm to the area’s growing mix of local businesses. The shop joins a wave of revitalization efforts reshaping South Downtown, bringing music, culture, and community to one of the city’s most storied streets. CratesATL is a new offering from Darryl Harris, owner of Moods Music in Little Five Points. For 25 years, Moods has anchored Atlanta’s Black music scene. It’s a shop where crate diggers and casual listeners alike can lose hours flipping through stacks of neo-soul, hip-hop, gospel, hard bop, and acid jazz CDs and LPs. “I wanted to be a part of revitalizing downtown and everything that it’s going to become,” Harris says. And he means it.

Akron, OH | Akron’s Time Traveler Records’ future uncertain after 46 years in business: As one of Northeast Ohio’s longest-running independent record stores, Akron’s Time Traveler Records has been around for some time. Scott Shepherd said he wants to keep it that way. But he said the once-thriving business is now facing some challenges. “I sat here every day thinking, ‘man, I just can’t stop doing this,’” said Shepherd. Shepherd told News 5 he did not expect to turn his hobby into a business. Then, 46 years went by, and Shepherd said he found his calling to sell vintage vinyl records, a variety of new and used music, CDs and rare collectors’ items inside an Akron building off West Market Street. “When I first started a records store back in 1980, I started it to increase my own personal collection,” said Shepherd.

Port Jervis, NY | All Killer, No Filler: Inside Ironhead Records in Port Jervis, New York: Jesse Traynor opened Ironhead Records to bring underground music to a small city and build a community of “fans of the loud, the heavy, and the underground.” …These are wild times, but it’s impossible to argue that there’s never a terrible time to bring vinyl records to the masses. Even more, as Jesse says, “there’s no time like the present for fulfilling your dreams.” The economy might be crap, but records may just be the elixir for all ills. “Despite the ebb and flow of the economy, vinyl isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving. I think people have realized that they want something real and tactile. They want physical art, liner notes, and the knowledge that their purchase is forever.

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Chorley, UK | ‘End of an era’ as beloved Malcolm’s Musicland shop permanently closes after half a century: Much-loved owner Malcolm Allen tragically died earlier this year after a decade-long cancer battle. A beloved record store that has served music fans in Lancashire and beyond for more than half a century has ‘permanently closed.’ Known to many as ‘Mr Chorley’, Malcolm also gave service to town as chairman of Chorley Traders’ Alliance and as a parish councillor. Hundreds of people attended his funeral earlier this year including local MP Sir Lindsay Hoyle. The store’s Facebook profile picture was updated on Thursday night (December 11), showing a mocked-up image of the late Malcolm in the window of the shop, along with the words ‘permanently closed.’

Keynsham, UK | ‘Cult’ record shop to relocate: After a decade serving vinyl enthusiasts, cult record shop Longwell Records has decided to move to new premises. The Keynsham-based shop will relocate to Clifton Arcade, bringing its 10,000-strong collection, which includes some rare EPs and LPs. Owner Iain Aitchison, who was born in Southmead, spent nearly 30 years working in the NHS supporting people with substance abuse before opening the shop, which previously occupied a shipping container at Wapping Wharf. Speaking to Bristol24/7, Aitchison said the move from Temple Street in Keynsham represents a “bittersweet but necessary” evolution for the business. “We are so sad to leave Keynsham but after ten years, I felt it was time to be in an area with a better footfall,” said Aitchison.

Grand Rapids, MI | 5 hidden gem businesses in Grand Rapids to shop local for holiday gifts: Della Soul Records. Grand Rapids resident Della Marie Levi opened Della Soul Records in November 2023. Levi said there are two reasons for opening the vinyl record and cultural gift store at 1220 Kalamazoo Ave. SE.: to learn how to DJ on vinyl and the joy her late father felt while listening to records when she was a child. “It was so important learning the old school way because I grew up listening to DJs on vinyl,” she said. Customers walking into Della Soul Records can expect a comfortable space with dim lighting, equipped with plenty of seating, TVs and local artwork. The vinyl collection in stock consists of different genres Levi likes, including old-school hip-hop, new-school, R&B, jazz, adult urban contemporary…

Gen Z’s search for decorative collectibles is fueling vinyl sales: Vinyl records are popular again, but it’s not just audiophiles or nostalgic boomers fueling the resurgence. Gen Z is playing an outsized role in the revival of vinyl sales, which have grown on average by 18% annually in the past five years. About 60% of Gen Z say they buy records, according to Futuresource Consulting’s Audio Tech Lifestyles report. But Gen Z isn’t necessarily buying records for their unique sound. Around 40% of record buyers in the United States don’t own a turntable, noted James Duvall, principal analyst and head of entertainment at Futuresource Consulting. Fifty-six percent of Gen Z fans like vinyl for its aesthetic, while 37% use it as home decor, according to a Vinyl Alliance survey. It’s part of what Jared Watson, an assistant professor of marketing at New York University, calls “symbolic consumption.”

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Loudonville, OH | Operation Fandom/Blackbird Records opens new Loudonville location: May the merch be with you at the new Operation Fandom and Black Bird Records opening in Loudonville on Friday. Owner Josh Lehman had plans to expand his brand since earlier this year, looking at Mount Vernon and Bellville. But as fate would have it, a downtown Loudonville building, located at 149 West Main St., seemed to be the perfect fit. The Loudonville location is Lehman’s fourth expansion, joining the Wooster, Medina and Mansfield stores. It will be open Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., but Lehman said those hours may be adjusted to fit the customers’ needs. Lehman landed on Loudonville because it was the right place at the right time for the right price; although the original plan was to open the new store in 2026.

St. Johns, UK | Royal Navy veteran opens new St. Johns record shop: A Navy veteran has opened a new record store in Worcester with thousands of records from his personal collection on sale. Simon Shothouse replaced the submarine he was based on in the Royal Navy with a storefront in St John’s that sells his life-long collection of records. The new shop, This is Vinyl & Vintage at 55 St Johns, features 4,000 old, new, rare and signed records. Mr Shothouse said he decided to start the business after 25 years in the Royal Navy because he thought his collection had become “excessive”. “I am a lifelong fan of music and a very wide range of music,” he said. “I never stick to one genre, and if I like something, I will listen to it no matter who it’s from. “I began to grow quite an excessive record collection, and after I left the Navy, I just had a rough evaluation of it and decided to open a little shop somewhere.”

Muncie, IN | Out with the new, in with the old: Old forms of media make an impact. “You pick your album, you pull it out, you brush it off, put it on, drop the needle. I mean, there’s a whole process to it,” said owner and operator of the Record Parlor of Muncie, Derek McNelly. Upon entering the Record Parlor of Muncie, customers see a variety of used vinyls, with a wide range of genres and artists. While the establishment does carry newer releases of music, the owner wanted to focus on used records. He said the promotion of newer artists’ music “kind of does its own thing” regarding mediums that can easily advertise their work, such as social media. “I feel it’s a part of my duty as a shop owner to promote and preserve old music,” Derek said. “As well [as] make sure it doesn’t get lost or forgotten.”

Tampa, FL | From Vinyl Fever to Daddy Kool: How record stores shaped my life. …Vinyl Fever quickly became a Friday payday tradition. I would go every week to look for the newest imports I had read about in the British music papers. And of course, being the curious person I am, I started conversations with everyone working in the store so I could run my mouth about music. One of the first people I got to know at Vinyl Fever was a guy named Steve, who eventually got so tired of me asking about new releases that his go-to answer became, “Mike… it’s out of print.” (lol) After years of shopping at Vinyl Fever, I started following the adventures of one of the employees, Pete Barless, who went on to open his own record store, Alternative Records, on Nebraska. I became a huge fan of the store and pretty much spent most of my paycheck there on Fridays. (You see a pattern developing?)

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Los Angeles, CA | L.A. record shop asks public for help staying open: ‘2025 has been one of the most difficult years.’ Los Angeles is home to some of the world’s best record shops, but a litany of factors is making them a dying art. …Sick City Records, located in Echo Park, sadly finds itself in that situation. According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, decreased foot traffic and increased rent are heavily impacting the shop, which sells vinyl, clothes and even offers haircuts from a singular barber chair located inside. “In January, when the Eaton and Palisades fires broke out, the shop was desolate for around a month,” L.A. Times writer Cerys Davies wrote in the publication’s De Los column. “Then, right as summer kicked off—usually a lucrative season for record-collecting tourists stopping by—ICE raids began happening all over the city.”

Accord, NY | Accord Record Store Freakout Spot Opens Holiday Pop-Up in Kingston: Following an unexpected shut down, the beloved shop pops up in the former Fletcher & Lu space on Broadway at least through January. “We wanted to open a record store where people who don’t buy records could go in and still have fun,” says Rob Davis of the idea behind Freakout Spot record store, explaining, “I got dragged to a lot of record stores by my dad when I was younger.” When he teamed up with his wife, Lila Allen, this past January to open a pop-up in the other half of the building that houses Bluebird wine shop in Accord, accessibility was top of mind. “Lila is the other half of the store. She curates really great books, items, clothes, oddities,” he says. “The shop looks and feels the way it does because of her.”

Inglewood, CA | Inglewood’s Recordland spins new life into old media for Calgarians: The vintage revival of vinyl calls for out with the new and in with the old. In a world dominated by technology and screens, Gen-Z—people born between 1997 and 2012—seem to crave nostalgia they never experienced through the “old ways,” embracing entertainment through records, books, and film cameras. Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music continue to dominate the music industry. Still, vinyl has made a comeback in recent years, drawing people to the music scene in a more traditional way. Record stores are seeing a renewed interest away from instant playlists. Gen Z has sparked a vintage revival, seeking to disconnect from digital spaces and opting for more handheld options.

Poughkeepsie, NY | Darkside Records Relocates to Downtown Poughkeepsie: Poughkeepsie record store Darkside Records has moved from its location at 611 Dutchess Turnpike to its new building at 32 Cannon Street in downtown Poughkeepsie. The official reopening of the store on Nov. 21 invited the public to the new location to browse, shop and see how this beloved Poughkeepsie spot has taken their business to new heights. Darkside’s signature bright green walls and endless selection of records, CDs, cassettes, merchandise and much more have found a new home in this upgraded space, marking a new era for Darkside, and one that brings it closer to the community. Darkside Records, which originally opened in 2011 with its first-ever location on Poughkeepsie’s Main Street, moved to Dutchess Turnpike about five years later.

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