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

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

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

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

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

Read More »

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

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

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

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

Read More »

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

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

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

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

Read More »

New Kensington, PA | Preserving Vinyl rebrands its 2nd New Ken shop as a bargain outlet, set to open Dormont record shop Saturday: A stock of 250,000 CDs are now featured at the Fifth Avenue outlet. Preserving Record Shop owner AJ Rassau has been waiting years for CDs to hit the mainstream again, so when the opportunity to buy 250,000 from an online collector and retailer presented itself, he took the chance. The CDs are now on sale at Preserving Vinyl bargain outlet on Fifth Avenue in New Kensington, a few blocks away from Rassau’s main location. The space he formerly used as a second location just dedicated to vinyl records, celebrated its opening as the bargain outlet last Friday.

Athens, GA | Wuxtry’s Golden Anniversary: Downtown Record Store Still Spinning After 50 Years. As a tenured landmark on one of the most prominent corners in the heart of downtown Athens, Wuxtry Records is a can’t-miss location both visually—with its bold blue and yellow storefront accented by large, poster-covered windows—and as destination in the hearts of music lovers of all kinds. In the current environment where Athenians have become hardened to news of iconic landmarks and beloved businesses closing their doors, it feels more triumphant than ever to celebrate an institution like Wuxtry’s 50th anniversary.

Houston, TX | Houston DJs remember pioneering music store that’s closing after 50 years: The parking lot of the Soundwaves on 3509 Montrose was well-populated on Saturday, April 25. Earlier in the day, the record/skate/surf shop announced on Instagram that the store would be closing soon and all the merchandise was 50 percent off. Of course, people showed up to grab as many items —LPs, T-shirts, skate shoes—as they could, waiting in line as longtime owner Jeff Spargo rang up customers one-by-one. Soundwaves was once Houston’s mightiest independent record-store chain, with locations all over the city (its South Main location was frequented by hip-hop heads like the late DJ Screw and famed producer/ex-employee DJ Premier).

Melbourne, AU | The 50-year-old Blackburn record store started with jukebox leftovers: “I don’t think vinyl will ever go away.” Dixon Recycled Records in Blackburn has never given up on vinyl. The store, celebrating 50 years of operation this year, has been selling new and second-hand records since 1976. The Eastern Melburnian spoke with manager Douglas Walsh, who joined DRR 39 years ago at the age of 21. Half a century ago: Dixon Recycled Records began in 1976 as a way for owner David Dixon to trade old 45-inch records from the 1950s and 1960s he would then use to stock his jukebox hire company. Since then, the business has opened and closed other locations, including Camberwell, Prahran, Dandenong and Heidelberg, while their secondary location in Northcote remains open.

Read More »

Houston, TX | Soundwaves, once a mighty Houston music store empire, to close last store: A 50-year run for a record store and surf shop that was once a hub for Houston music lovers is finally coming to an end. On Sunday, Montrose’s Soundwaves announced on Instagram that the chain’s last remaining location at 3509 Montrose Blvd. will be closing its doors. Soundwaves didn’t specify a reason for the closure, and the store’s owners couldn’t be reached on Monday for comment by email, phone, or Instagram direct message. The shop’s website appeared to be down as of Monday. It’s unclear when the store’s last day will be, but Soundwaves posted on Instagram that everything in its store will be half off until closure.

Los Angeles, CA | L.A.’s famed Record Parlor is opening a Long Beach store with special 100K record collection: The Record Parlour—Hollywood’s much-loved record shop that shifted tangible record shopping toward platforms like Instagram—is officially opening a Long Beach store. And it comes with a collection unlike any other. Taking over the former, short-lived Goodies space in Belmont Shore—and giving old-school Fingerprints vibes when it was its OG location in the Shore before going to DTLB and now Bixby Knolls—Parlour owner Chris Honetschlaeger has scored what he describes as “the largest single vinyl collection we’ve ever seen under one roof.” That collection? The Willie “Wax Hog” Hutchins Collection. And just when will locals be able to sift through this audiophile wonder? The Record Parlour in Long Beach will open on Friday, July 3.

Farmers Branch, TX | Josey Records: This iconic Texas record store spans 25,000 square feet and is a must visit for music lovers: Twenty five thousand square feet of nothing but records. That is not a typo. This iconic spot is a music lover’s dream, the kind of place you plan to browse for twenty minutes and then realize three hours have disappeared. You can flip through new arrivals, dig in dusty dollar bins, and find everything from classic rock to obscure jazz pressings. The sheer size means you will never see it all in one trip, and that is the best part. There is always something waiting on a shelf you missed. Bring a crate, a friend to hold you accountable, and maybe a second credit card.

Devizes, UK | Vinyl Realm Settles Into New Home: A median haul of vinyl can weigh in, but there’s no longer a trek down Northgate Street for record collectors and musicians alike. Vinyl Realm has settled into their new location on Devizes High Street and shopping there is a much more spacious and airy experience… Much as I loved the idea of a record shop opening in Devizes, being just the way I remember and loved them in days of yore, eight years ago on that inception, I confess I put a time limit on the place. Even then the threat on High Street shopping was real, and the want for vinyl records in this digital era was questionable. But Vinyl Realm is not only bucking both trends, locally it’s been a detrimental influence on them, proving well managed music shops are here to stay.

Read More »

Seattle, WA | ‘Everyday is Record Store Day’: Three Seattle record stores, three cultural institutions. …In the aftermath of RSD at Silver Platters in SoDo, shoppers mill about under the supervision of Elliott Smith, the members of Alice in Chains, and a slew of other Pacific Northwest artists, thanks to a mural that stretches the length of the store. Silver Platters resurrects the meditative art of browsing, inviting shoppers to pause at listening stations punctuating the aisles, equipped with headphones. …Joules Goldblatt and her roommates chose Silver Platters for RSD. Goldblatt ended up with Pacific, an instrumental Japanese album, that she selected for its randomness. “I think physical media is special in a lot of ways,” Goldblatt said. “We really just have been so oversaturated with digital media, specifically, low quality, digital media.”

Montreal, CA | Our favorite record stores in Montreal: For CDs, vinyl, and the best music selection in town, we have 5 (almost) secret spots. Montreal is a city of music, musicians, and independent music. For the city’s best soundtrack, there are experts and music lovers ready to recommend records to us. And Spotify is great, but it would be silly not to take advantage of the musical culture of Montrealers who work in music stores. There are music stores and record shops all over Montreal, but there are five we go to when we want to be inspired, musically.

IL | Find nostalgia, vinyl treasures at 4 record stores in Starved Rock Country: X marks the spot for Horizons Music in Mendota. That is, because it will feel like discovering a hidden treasure for vinyl collectors. Located in a warehouse off the beaten path (literally in the middle of a neighborhood at the intersection of 14th Street and Milwaukee Avenue in Mendota), Horizons Music houses more than a million items with titles like Zager and Evans, Splatcats and The Rainbow Band. You likely won’t find the latest Taylor Swift record, or even familiar stocks. This is a destination for the deep divers. Horizons boasts that it specializes in “out of print” or “hard to find” releases.

Falmouth, UK | Final spin for much-loved Falmouth record shop as Jam to close after 23 years: Much-loved independent record shop Jam is set to close its doors after more than two decades on Falmouth’s Old High Street. The decision marks the end of 23 years at the helm for owner Mandy Kemp who says it was not a difficult choice, as she feels she has come to the end of the road (or record). Speaking to the Packet, Mandy said the move had been a long time coming. “I’ve had enough. Twenty-three years is quite enough,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed it—mostly—but enough’s enough.” She added: “I could never have imagined it would last so long, what with all the new-fangled developments like the internet and so forth. But here we are, 23 years on, and I’m thinking that’s probably enough now.”

Read More »

Brooksville, FL | Grandaddy Records & Vintage debuts in Brooksville: More than a decade ago, independent record store owners kickstarted a day to celebrate their groovy enterprise and keep analog music alive. …One of those openings came through this year with Brooksville-based Grandaddy Records & Vintage. Tyler Mauriello launched the store on Feb. 1 alongside his partner, Sydney Brown. Mauriello said he fell in love with the quaint downtown vacancy on Broad Street and constantly imagined how it could be “the coolest little record shop.” When Mauriello saw a “For Rent” sign plastered out front, that was his calling. “I was like, ‘No freaking way,’ and that was what really kickstarted it,” Mauriello told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.

Houston, TX | Go Crate Digging At The 10 Best Record Stores In Houston: Prepare for your next needle drop at the best record stores in Houston: from speakeasy listening lounges to city institutions. Record Store Day 2026 drops this weekend. Whether you’re hoping to score re-issues, B-sides, and live recording—or are simply seeking to stack your own catalogue with personal favorites, check out our list of the best record stores in Houston. From staples of Houston’s counterculture to hip brunch spots, speakeasies, and more: here are the best vinyl stores in Houston. 1. Sig’s Lagoon: Nestled in the company of Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails, Tacos A Go Go, and The Continental Club in Midtown, Sig’s Lagoon is a seriously stacked two-story Houston record store. In addition to over 10,0000 new and used vinyl, Sig’s offers a range of CDs, books, art, t-shirts, and collectibles…

Newburyport, MA | This Newburyport record store just turned 50. Here’s their secret. “I have customers who’ve been coming in since the ’70s, who have literally explored a lifetime of music—their lifetime of music—right through that store.” John Coyle still remembers the first vinyl he ever bought at Newburyport’s Dyno Records, back when an $8 Elvis Costello album was an extravagant buy for a local kid with a paper route. Decades (and countless LPs) later, Dyno is celebrating its 50th anniversary with Coyle on the other side of the counter as the shop’s latest owner. “I’ve been afforded an opportunity to sort of caretake this place into the future,” he reflected roughly 10 months into his tenure. “I have customers who’ve been coming in since the ’70s, who have literally explored a lifetime of music—their lifetime of music—right through that store.”

Schenectady, NY | New record store takes over space on Jay Street in Schenectady: A new record store has made its way to Schenectady. Party Shark Records has opened in the former space of The Re-Collector on Jay Street. The record store, located at 167 1/2 Jay Street, is currently focused on selling used and vintage physical media. Owner Scot Seguine said most of the floor space is occupied by records, but CDs and tapes are also for sale. The shop also buys used music from any community members who may be looking to clear up some space. Seguine said the opportunity to open the vintage media shop naturally fell into place. He was in search of a new job opportunity just as the the owner of The Re-Collector was looking to get out of the business. “So I decided to get weird and own a store instead of job hunting,” Seguine said.

Read More »

UK | Record Store Day UK sales up 25% in record-breaking year: Over 300 independent record shops took part in this year’s event. Sales on last weekend’s Record Store Day in the UK were up 25% on the previous year, making it a record-breaking day for the long-running event. Over 300 independent record shops across the UK took part in the Saturday, 18th April event, hosting live performances, signings, DJ sets and other special activities to mark the occasion. This was the 19th annual Record Store Day event. Kim Bayley, CEO of ERA, which organises the event, said: “This year’s Record Store Day demonstrated as never before the emerging role of record shops as cultural hubs on the high street, bringing together music fans across generations and breathing new life into town centres…”

CA | Explore Ontario’s best vintage finds. From Toronto record stores to Hamilton’s Cabinet of Curiosities, here is your 2026 day-trip guide: Now that springlike weather has finally returned to Ontario, vintage markets and collectible stores are springing back into action. Weekend day-trippers can find souvenirs, antiques and unique gift items as they explore the province. Here’s a list of some of the best places to find collectibles, cool nostalgia, vinyl records and more. Sonic Boom Music: Physical music is making a major comeback, and you can shop for your favourite CDs and vinyl at Canada’s largest independent record store. Sonic Boom Music also offers turntables, speakers, movies, gifts and band T-shirts. Find new classics and hidden gems, all in one place or speak to the staff for personalized recommendations…

St. Paul, MN | One of the few Black-owned record shops in the country needs help staying open: Urban Lights Music, a Black-owned St. Paul record store, struggles to survive amid a changing era. For Tim Wilson, owner of Urban Lights Music, Record Store Day feels like Christmas morning. “It is Record Store Day. So yeah, it’s like a holiday,” Wilson said. The comparison is fitting, because for up-and-coming DJs like Jared Gillespie, known as JG, Wilson has been something like Santa Claus. “He’s been like a mentor, you know,” Gillespie said. “I came in here one Saturday and I was like, ‘Hey, do you mind if I come DJ here sometimes?’ And as soon as I stepped in here, he’s like, ‘Yeah, go up there right now.'” Wilson offers free space for people to sharpen their skills and produce music. “We teach DJing, we teach production,” Wilson said. Urban Lights Music, located at 1449 University Ave. in St. Paul, is one of the few Black-owned record shops in the country and the only one in Minnesota.

Salisbury, UK | Word Up: Vinyl revival hits the right note in Salisbury: Last Saturday, I got up early and headed into town. A sunny Salisbury spring morning is not one to be missed, and by the time we made it to the market square, the town was already buzzing with early birds. Not that birds actually buzz, British Telecom’s Buzby aside, but you get the idea. A Buzby reference might be as finger on the pulse as the phrase finger on the pulse itself, but he might have understood what I was doing up early. For Saturday was Record Store Day, the annual celebration of all things vinyl, when the nation’s independent record stores offer a tantalising range of musical rarities and one-off releases. A Buzby reference might be as finger on the pulse as the phrase finger on the pulse itself, but he might have understood what I was doing up early.

Read More »

UK | Bringing Record Store Day To Social Care: The excitement of Record Store Day was brought directly to social care services across the nation, as our charity teamed up with The Darkness singer Justin Hawkins, rising music stars The Daydreamers, and one of the UK’s coolest record stores, Jacaranda. A video call grid showing multiple people in separate home settings. Several participants are holding up circular black signs or cards with orange arrows pointing up or down, while others hold paper cards or sit watching.The charity—its acclaimed hub offering free, accessible and inspiring live online experiences for people who draw on care and support. The powerful online experience, delivered via our acclaimed www.What-To-Do.co.uk platform, was inspired by Record Store Day—a major global celebration of the unique culture of record stores and of music.

Oxfordshire, UK | Busiest Record Store Day to date for Oxfordshire stores: Record store bosses in Oxfordshire are celebrating their busiest Record Store Day to date. Truck Store in Cowley Road, and Truck Store in Witney, formerly Rapture, were packed with customers all day on Saturday. Record Store Day is a global celebration of independent record store culture, and is dedicated to shining a spotlight on the shops that support music fans all year round. On the day itself, hundreds of highly limited releases were available exclusively from indie record stores, all on a first-come, first-served basis. Music fans bought special edition RSD releases including Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and The Colourfield.

Edinburgh, UK | Edinburgh record store owner has equipment returned following theft: An Edinburgh record store owner has had some of his equipment returned after what appeared to be a brazen theft on Saturday which was Record Store Day. Darren Yeats, the owner of VoxBox Music in Stockbridge, was preparing to make his way to St Vincent’s Chapel for a Record Store Day celebration on Saturday when some of his equipment was purloined. He left an amp and some cables on the pavement outside his building while he re-entered his flat for a couple minutes to say goodbye to his wife. A man approached unnoticed while Darren was inside and made off with his Marshall amplifier, cables and chargers, as well as a bag which was a gift from his mother. …Good news was also just round the corner for Darren, as the very man who was caught on a neighbour’s CCTV camera making off with the goods appeared at his door on Tuesday to humbly return the amp and bag.

Doylestown, PA | Record Store Day Draws Crowd At Siren Records: The Doylestown shop offered exclusive merchandise for Record Store Day on Saturday. He was the first in line, showing up with a chair and a book at 4:19 a.m. on Saturday. The man was among the vinyl fans who showed up early and often at Siren Records for Record Store Day on Saturday, considered the best of the two days devoted each year to the exclusive offerings. Among some titles that fans flocked to Siren Records for were live shows from Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Yes, the Power Station, and The Cars, among others. Other exclusive offerings were a box set or the first solo records from Crosby, Stills, and Nash, two Brian Wilson records, a Taylor Swift single, two from David Bowie, a remix of Elton John songs, and a Rolling Stones item that included six 3-inch records, a crate, and a 3-inch record player.

Read More »

Burlington, IA | ‘Nice to See Everybody Celebrate Music’: Music fans rush stores for Record Store Day. There was no shortage of special albums and collectors items for people to get their hands on during Record Store Day on Saturday. Area music lovers flocked to Weird Harold’s Records, located at 411 Jefferson St. in Burlington, and Pool 19 Plants & Records, located at 616 7th St. in Fort Madison, to celebrate the groovy holiday. Record Store Day is an annual shopping event that promotes independently-owned record stores and offers music fans special, limited-edition music on vinyl, along with stores’ regular inventory and other sales and deals. The “holiday” started in 2008 and typically takes place on the third Saturday of April and every Black Friday in November.

St Albans, UK | St Albans vinyl store enjoys best-ever Record Store Day after customers queue overnight: A customer started queuing 19 hours before the doors opened at Empire Records in Heritage Close for this year’s Record Store Day. Saturday’s annual event—the 12th since RSD began—saw a staggering 500 exclusive records released, all of which are only available from independent record stores. National Record Store Day originated in the United States in 2007 after a group of independent record shop owners came together to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture of their stores, and soon spread across the Atlantic. The queues outside Empire Records lasted well into the afternoon, much longer than usual, and reached as far back as Starbucks in High Street.

Erie, PA | Vinyl enthusiasts come out in droves to celebrate Record Store Day: It was an exciting day for vinyl enthusiasts as Record Store Day brought collectors together across the world. The celebration saw independent record shops celebrate the day by selling exclusive releases and represses of albums by various artists of all genres. The 1020 Collective was one of the local participating spots. Enthusiasts said there’s still a deep love and appreciation for vinyl records and a strong following. “It’s cool to actually own the physical media, and the other thing about vinyl is it’s really an art form in itself, so like, the album covers are really a work of art, and then you’ll open them up and they’ll have special posters,” said Rick Bowser, director of the 1020 Collective and owner of Rick’s Records.

Nashville, TN | Nashville Turns Out—and Turns Up—on Record Store Day: Catching powerhouse performances from Soot and more at The Blue Room at Third Man Records and Nicole Atkins and others at Vinyl Tap. Third Man Records and The Blue Room offered a choose-your-own-adventure model on Record Store Day, with a mellow vibe inside the shop and four ferocious sets starting at 11 a.m. in the venue space. Pop-ups from Danger Zone Video, East Nashville Books and more offered retail options, while Clownsums Diner and Secret Bodega provided sustenance in the courtyard. The crowd was packed and varied, the best kind of daytime show: Two-steppers thrashed in the mosh pit while families stood a safe distance away, their kids wearing ear-protecting headphones and tiny X’s on the backs of their hands.

Read More »

Rochester, NY | Record stores see stretched lines for exclusive Taylor Swift, Nirvana, Record Store Day releases: Music lovers lined up around the block Saturday as Record Store Day brought a surge of energy, and customers, to local shops across Rochester. At the House of Guitars, crowds gathered early in search of limited releases, rare finds and a shared appreciation for vinyl. “It’s a day everyone looks forward to,” said store manager Aric Schaubroeck. “Every record company puts out something that people have been waiting for… and people are just excited to finally get it.” Schaubroeck said the turnout this year was especially strong, with a line stretching out the door and around the corner for hours. “It reminds me of the old midnight sales,” he said. Shoppers said the experience goes beyond just buying music, it’s about connection, nostalgia and discovery.

Indio, CA | Coachella 2026: How Record Safari became a staple for Record Store Day: At a festival defined by quick moments, Record Safari offers something a little more lasting. As festival goers weave through the music and desert heat at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, a different kind of experience awaits just steps from the entrance, one that trades booming speakers for the soft crackle of vinyl. Inside Record Safari, the festival’s on-site record store, fans flip through crates of new and used records, many stopping in during Record Store Day, which landed on Saturday, April 18, during Weekend 2 and continuing into Sunday as crowds make their final rounds. For Alex Rodriguez, the man behind Record Safari, the moment is the culmination of more than a decade spent building something that started almost by accident. “I was part of the Glass House in Pomona,” Rodriguez said. “One year, the people doing the record store at Coachella couldn’t do it, so they kind of scrambled and asked me…”

Burlington, NC | Main Street Vinyl celebrates Record Store Day: People line the street to attend the special sale in Burlington. Whether they were crate-digging for something rare or just soaking in the vibe, attendees lined the street bright and early for some fun. Burlington record store, Main Street Vinyl, participated in celebrating Record Store Day on Saturday, April 18th. Inspired by the nationally recognized day, the record store offered limited edition albums only available in independent record stores, as opposed to mainstream ‘box’ stores. Co-owner Ed Meyer highlighted the uniqueness of what they have to offer. “There is something special about everything released,” Meyer said. “A lot of it had never before been on vinyl. There are live concerts on vinyl and all kinds of different stuff like that.” Kate Meyer, Main Street Vinyl co-owner, said today is all about indie record stores and indie releases in support of both the artists and local businesses.

London, UK | Vinyl revival: Fans queue across the South East for Record Store Day 2026. Music enthusiasts across the South East proved that the physical record remains a cornerstone of British culture, as hundreds braved the early morning chill to participate in Record Store Day 2026. As reported by the BBC, the global event saw over 300 independent shops across the UK and Ireland open their doors to crowds seeking exclusive, limited-edition releases. In towns like Dorking, Surrey, the dedication was palpable. Fans began forming lines outside Spin Sounds on South Street as early as 04:00 BST, four hours before the shop’s 08:00 opening. Store owner Lee White observed a mixture of excitement and anxiety among the regulars. “People are nervous to know if they get what they want,” he noted, highlighting the high stakes involved when supply for popular titles is strictly limited.

Read More »

Dickson City, PA | Fans of vinyl line up early for Record Store Day in Dickson City: Kim Stenlake arrived at Dickson City’s Gallery of Sound before sunrise on Saturday, with a list of vinyl albums she hoped to purchase, with Bruce Springsteen’s music topping the entries. Stenlake, like thousands of vinyl aficionados across the country and across the world, was participating in Record Store Day, an annual global celebration that sees hundreds of artists release special, limited-edition vinyl, CDs and promotional items exclusively for the day. For Stenlake, of Moosic, the day was not only about music, but about family. Her son Eric Scritchfield and granddaughter Khloé Scritchfield, 9, stood beside her in a line that spanned the entire walkway and overflowed into the shopping area’s parking lot. “Today was a big day,” Stenlake said. “My son called to remind me about it.”

Portland, ME | Record Store Day spins into Portland music stores: Music lovers shopped exclusive records and deals during Saturday’s event. Sam Harmon browsed records at Bull Moose in South Portland on Saturday morning, a squirrel-adorned tote bag from Boston’s Beacon Hill Books and Cafe swinging on her shoulder. She expertly thumbed her way through various records—though she is a Boston resident, attending Record Store Day in Maine is a tradition for Harmon and her friend, Wells resident Leanne Brennan. “We both love music,” Harmon said Saturday. …This year, Harmon browsed on Record Store Day simply for the fun of it. But when Brennan caught up to her in Bull Moose on Saturday, she was holding a couple of records: the soundtrack to George Clooney-fronted film “O Brother, Where Art Thou” and something by PeeWee Herman. Earlier in the day, Brennan had scored an exclusive record from Southern Gothic singer-songwriter Ethel Cain. “It was the last one left,” she said. “But I almost always find something.”

Huntsville, AL | Huntsville record store sees biggest turnout yet for Record Store Day: Vertical House Records at Lowe Mill drew large crowds for special vinyl releases. Music lovers lined up at Vertical House Records at Lowe Mill on Saturday for National Record Store Day. The store offered special records released to independent stores in honor of the day, in addition to their regular inventory. “Definitely popular, like Taylor Swift, Ethel Cain. There was like a Slipknot record. Sorry, I’m trying to think of all of them. But there was a lot, for sure. But Billy Strings was a popular one. Sturgill Simpson had something as well. But yeah, there was probably about like 200 releases. So there was definitely quite a few,” said Andy Vaughn, co-owner of Vertical House Records. The owners said they had a large line throughout the day. This was their biggest Record Store Day yet.

Stockton, UK | Vinyl fans queue for exclusive Record Day releases: Vinyl fans have queued throughout the night to get their hands on limited edition records made exclusively for independent shops celebrating Record Store Day (RSD) UK. Regency Records in Stockton was one of six independent shops in north-east England taking part in the event, and the only one outside Newcastle. The crowd began to gather at 20:30 BST on Friday night and Simon Pearson, who was first in line, said the event was good for the area because it was “like a community centre but with music”. The annual celebration of independent record shops was set up in the USA in 2007 with the first official event taking place the following year. RSD’s organisers said thousands of record shops across the world now took part, with more than 300 in the UK and Ireland.

Read More »

Bel Air, MD | Fans camp out at Bel Air record store ahead of Record Store Day to buy rare and exclusive vinyl: Vinyl enthusiasts are lining up early at REB Records in Bel Air to secure rare releases as vinyl sales continue to top $1 billion annually. Music lovers are already camping out at REB Records in Bel Air ahead of Record Store Day to get their hands on rare vinyl releases. The unofficial holiday celebrates music on vinyl and the independent stores that sell it. Sales do not start until 8 a.m. Saturday, but dedicated fans are already waiting outside the store. Haley Holleman, who was third in line, said she is looking for specific rare releases. …Gerry Wills, who was second in line, explained why he prefers the sound of vinyl over digital formats.

Seattle, WA | Record Store Day 2026 sights at Easy Street: As we previewed last night (when music fans were already getting in line), doors opened at 7 am this morning at Easy Street Records for the biggest day of the year: Record Store Day. We stopped by at 7:40 am, when the line was still wrapped around the block past the Wells Fargo parking lot on 44th Ave SW. The weather was clear and pleasant and spirits were high. Many of those in line told us that their shopping list included the “Brandi Carlile Live at Easy Street Records Volume II” record (a followup to the Grammy winner’s first live album recorded at the store almost 20 years ago). The album contains recordings from her band’s performance at Easy Street last October. Yesterday, the band stopped by the store…

Buffalo, NY | Local shop celebrates Record Store Day 2026: Saturday was the biggest day of the year for vinyl collectors. Collectors lined up for exclusive drops at Revolver Records as the shop celebrated Record Day 2026. Eric Buchbinder, Revolver Records manager, said the day was all about encouraging collectors to shop local. “It’s an important day to help support local indie record stores, you know, that’s the whole point of the holiday,” Buchbinder said. “You know, we have exclusive titles that nobody else has, none of the big box stores have. You know it’s just a day to support us.” A few of the artists featured in today’s drops included Pink Floyd, Taylor Swift and Olivia Dean. Shoppers can expect more exclusive drops coming to the shop later this year on Black Friday.

Billings, MT | Record Store Day spins success for Billings store amid vinyl revival: Music fans lined up before sunrise Saturday outside Cameron Records in Billings, some waiting overnight, as Record Store Day drew crowds eager for limited-edition vinyl releases. By the time the doors opened at 8 a.m., more than 200 people had gathered outside the independent shop, reflecting a growing demand for records that store owner TJ Goodwin said continues to build each year. “Record Store Day is a worldwide holiday,” Goodwin said. “It was established to celebrate the community of independent record stores and what they bring to their community.” The annual event, founded more than 15 years ago, now includes more than 1,200 participating stores nationwide. …At Cameron Records, nearly 200 exclusive titles were stocked this year, ranging from major artists like Bruno Mars and Madonna to niche and independent releases. Many sold out quickly.

Read More »

Milton Keynes, UK | Biggest Record Store Day yet planned for Off the Record MK this Saturday: Willen Hospice’s independent music shop, Off the Record, is proud to be part of Record Store Day 2026 this Saturday (18 April), with more than 800 limited-edition albums on offer. Record Store Day is a global, annual event celebrating the culture, community and creativity that independent record shops bring to towns and cities. It features exclusive releases, live performances and special promotions that bring music fans together. Based in Midsummer Place, Off the Record will once again be opening early at 8am on Record Store Day to offer music fans exclusive, limited-edition vinyl releases on a first-come, first-served basis.

Madison, WI | How Madison’s record stores prepare for vinyl’s biggest day: Evan Woodward remembers rifling through crates of records at Strictly Discs during Record Store Day, before he started working there in 2010. “It wasn’t like what it is now,” he recalled. “There aren’t any other days like this.” Now Strictly Discs’ manager, Woodward pores over Excel spreadsheets listing thousands of records the store will receive in anticipation of the day, which takes place on April 18. He and the Strictly team need to catalog and alphabetize the anticipated 3,300 records they’ll receive, then set up and break down the staging area they’ll assemble on the block as people line up to nab exclusive releases. …Preparing for the day requires months of work. “It’s a big effort that just a small number of people are doing,” said Woodward. “It’s kind of like an extreme version of our job.” He estimates around 2,000 people will come through Strictly Discs’ doors on the 18th.

Phoenix, AZ | Record Store Day 2026 is almost here. How to celebrate in Phoenix: …The annual celebration is back for its 19th year on Saturday, April 18, taking place at independent brick-and-mortar record stores around the world, including many here in metro Phoenix. This year’s Global Record Store Day Ambassador is Bruno Mars, who happens to be playing two concerts in Glendale as we head into the weekend. In announcing his ambassadorship in a video shared on social media, shot at Moondog Records in Las Vegas, Mars shared some thoughts on what makes record stores so special. “Why record stores are so important is because you get the chance to immerse yourself, surround yourself with music,” he said. “I love being able to physically be surrounded by music. Not just staring at your phone and downloading something or listening to something on your phone, but to actually see all of this beautiful art around you. It inspires me.”

London, UK | All the London record shops taking part in Record Store Day 2026 (and the best deals): Time Out’s guide to the most unmissable Record Store Day events in London on Saturday April 18 2026, from free vinyl giveaways to club nights. When Record Store Day started out in 2007, it really did feel like vinyl might be on the way out: thousands of independent music traders were closing their doors as fans fled to cheaper (but less magical) digital ways of consuming their fave bands. These days, it’s more like a victory lap for the fantastic record shops that have created whole scenes around themselves, and become sites of pilgrimage for loyal customers. This year’s event falls on Saturday April 18, and as ever, it’ll be a stellar excuse to beat a path towards your local store for exclusive releases, and perks including free bevvies.

Read More »

Boston, MA | Countdown to the fab finds of Record Store Day: Last year vinyl record sales hit $1 billion in the US. With LP sales up about 10% from 2024 and indications that upswing will continue this year, vinyl is no longer a fad. It’s a way of life. Join the lifestyle on Record Store Day. On Saturday, April 18, record collectors celebrate a chance to hunt down rare and exclusive releases put out especially for the holiday. Here are a few of the best exclusives for 2026. This tribute to Mac is shockingly delightful. Looking at the label, you might go, “OK, cool, a bunch of covers by obvious-but-fun indie acts from Haim to New Pornographers to Best Coast.”

St Albans, UK | Counting down to this year’s Record Store Day: There are just a few days to go until the biggest weekend of the year for St Albans’ house of vinyl, the independent Empire Records in Heritage Close. National Record Store Day originated in the United States in 2007 after a group of independent record shop owners came together to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture of their stores. Now every year hundreds of record shops across the UK participate in the celebrations. A staggering 500 exclusive records are released on Record Store Day and these are only available from these independent stores on Saturday April 18. Owner Marina De Sclavis said: “We’re very excited to be hosting our 12th Record Store Day this year. We feel we’ve got the best selection we’ve ever had, literally hundreds of exclusive vinyl records!

Oak Park, IL | Val’s halla Records Celebrates Record Store Day as Vinyl Sales Surge Nationwide: Val’s halla Records will mark Record Store Day on Saturday, April 18, 2026, opening at 8:00 a.m. for a full day of exclusive vinyl releases, live music, and in-store programming that draws collectors, artists, and fans into the shop from early morning through the evening. At 239 Harrison Ave in Oak Park’s Arts District, customers begin lining up the night before Record Store Day, with early demand driven by limited releases available only through independent record stores. The store sees sustained foot traffic throughout the day, with customers moving through the aisles to access new inventory and exclusive pressings. “Record Store Day at Val’s halla brings people together around a shared connection to music,” said Trevor Toppen, proprietor of Val’s halla Records.

Northampton, UK | Vinyl arrives at Northampton shops ready for annual Record Store Day: Vinyl by the likes of Taylor Swift, CMAT, Lil Peep and Charli XCX are among a host of releases which will be up for grabs at two Northampton shops this weekend when Record Store Day returns. Spun Out in Gold Street and Vinyl Underground in Abington Street will be selling a selection of this year’s records and in recent days have been receiving this year’s stock. Both shops will open at 8am on Saturday, April 18, with queues expected from the early hours of the morning. Spun Out owner Chris Kent, pictured with releases by CMAT, Lil Peep, Taylor Swift, Charli XCX and Elvis Presley, said: “It’s a big list this year and I’ve had lots of people coming in to request different titles. I’ve ordered a lot and this time around there’s a lot of interesting titles.”

Read More »