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

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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Cornwall, ON | “Bud, this one’s for you.” Sister’s first record at brother’s music store. The walls of Bud’s Records pulsed with music, memory, and meaning as Wet for Days, the all-girl Ottawa mom punk band, performed their first-ever Cornwall show and celebrated the release of their debut self-titled vinyl album. For frontwoman Sarah Gott, the night was deeply personal. “This is the first full-length record we’ve ever put out,” said Gott. “It’s been four or five years in the making, and we finally did it. Pressing to vinyl has always been a dream, before I die, I wanted to do this.” The all-ages show at Bud’s Records marked the first time a full band performed at the shop, which holds special significance. It was founded in 2019 by Sarah’s brother Bud, who passed away suddenly in 2020. His bandmate Jason Lavoie and Jason’s partner Emily have kept the store thriving since.

Guelph, ON | Let’s shop in Guelph for the holidays at Royal Cat Records: This little record shop really rocks. Whether you just got your first turntable or you are a seasoned collector, Royal Cat Records has something for your collection. Are you looking for the perfect gift this year for someone special? We want to help. The Guelph Mercury Tribune is featuring local businesses and what they have to offer, just in time for the holidays. Downtown Guelph’s favourite record store has a lot of choices for the folks on your list who love vinyl, or music-themed gifts. You can check out Royal Cat Records at 21 Macdonell St. and if you can’t get free two-hour street parking, it’s right around the corner from the Market Parkade.

Glenside, PA | Vinyl Chickie Selling Late Philly Radio Legend’s Christmas Music: The Glenside record store obtained CDs that were among the personal collection of legendary WMMR radio host Pierre Robert. The late Philadelphia radio legend Pierre Robert won’t be forgotten this holiday season. Vinyl Chickie has begun selling some of Robert’s Christmas music with permission from his estate. Vinyl Chickie—the record store ranked as the best one in the Philadelphia region by “Philadelphia Magazine”—acquired some Christmas CDs that belonged in Robert’s personal collection. Owner Lisa Schaffer has decided to sell the CDs at $10. each (cash only) with all proceeds going to @northeastcommunityfridge, which a good friend of hers operates. The CDs went on sale on Tuesday morning.

Dunfermline, UK | New record shop unveiled on Dunfermline’s East Port: In a sound addition to the city, a new record store has opened shop on East Port. Drawn to Dunfermline’s music scene, Spaniards, Antonio Figuerola and Nuria Torres unveiled ‘Veneno Music Store’ on Saturday, a nostalgic shop offering albums for all tastes. Situated between Timpson and Outback hairdressers, the shop feels like an early 00s music store, with rows of VHS tapes, a box TV showing old music videos and even a record-covered ceiling. Antonio said: “I grew up in a record shop because my father owned one in Spain, and I’ve been selling records online for many years. I thought, ‘Why don’t I open my own shop?’ “I found this place, and it was a good price, so I thought I’d just go for it.”

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London, UK | Record store, bottle shop and cafe to open in North London this week: Your neighbourhood hangout. North London’s Holloway Road is getting a new record store, bottle shop and “neighbourhood hangout” this week. One Eighty One is kicking off with a launch party on December 12th, offering a free “welcome drink” for earlier arrivals and a roster of DJs playing from 6:30pm until 11pm. This spot is set to, with any luck, become a bit of a hub for London’s music lovers. The concept is it’s part bar, part record shop, part cafe and part bottle shop. A bit of everything, with its complexion changing as the day turns into the night. …As One Eighty One turns into a bar at night-time, it will serve cocktails, wine and craft beer. And on the record front it promises “an incredible hand picked selection of great records of all genres both old and new.”

Melbourne, AU | Melbourne Named Vinyl Capital Of The World: The findings were delivered via part one of a new research piece, ‘For The Record.’ In exciting news for Victorian music lovers, Melbourne has been named the vinyl capital of the world. For The Record, a new research piece commissioned by the Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO) and delivered by Ethan Holben and Audience Strategies, placed the state’s vinyl ecosystem under the microscope. Melbourne’s 5.9 record stores per 100,000 residents exceeded Tokyo (2.3), London (4.9), and Berlin (2.9). In addition to that stat, Victoria’s store count grew 18% since 2023, while national vinyl sales increased 5.6% to $44.5 million. However, in an indictment of the cost of living and the upkeep required to keep a record store afloat, no surveyed store owners described their ventures as financially strong.

Lemont, IL | Shop Local At B-Side Records: Learn a little about your local record store as we visit B-Side Records in Lemont Downtown. Records in Lemont Downtown. Why are records making a comeback? How should you start your own collection? Find out why is it important to shop local in Lemont this holiday season. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can’t wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an episode! Lemont Unlocked is a podcast produced by The Broadcast Basement with Lemont Downtown—the beloved southeastern Chicago suburb formed by immigrants over 150 years ago. Today, Lemont Downtown has become a hub for small businesses, shares a rich culture within an engaged community, and is full of history and charm.

Los Angeles, CA | Sick City Records tries to ‘keep the music alive’ as potential closure looms: Just a few storefronts away from the now-vacant Button Mash, Sick City Records is on the brink of sharing the same fate. For nearly 20 years, the record shop has offered Echo Park a rocker-themed hodgepodge of rare vinyl, vintage band tees and dapper haircuts from its singular barber shop chair. But as rent continues to increase and fewer people stop by to browse its sonic selection or get a trim, Sick City Records is struggling to keep its doors open. “We’ve worked so hard for this. We’ve been doing this for 20 years. We have to fight to keep this place open — it’s what we love to do,” said Jesse Lopez, the record store’s co-owner and resident barber. Lopez and his business partner, Brian Flores, attribute their financial difficulties to an overall rough year.

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Stirling, UK | Europa Music: The Beating Heart of Stirling’s Music Scene: Europa Music isn’t just a record shop, it’s a Stirling institution. Tucked away in the city centre, the shop has been part of local life since the early 1970s, back when discovering new music meant flicking through crates, not clicking a playlist. Formats have changed more times than anyone cares to count; vinyl to cassette, cassette to CD, iPods and eventually to the era of endless streaming, Europa has stayed standing, adapting without ever losing its charm. When vinyl made its comeback in the 2000s, Europa didn’t just benefit from the revival; it helped lead it. While record stores across the UK shut their doors, Europa expanded its already huge collection and cemented its reputation as one of Scotland’s best spots for both new releases and rare finds.

Jeannette, PA | Jeannette business district: ‘fledgling stages of being reborn.’ As people were flowing into Jeannette’s downtown business district Saturday for the city’s holiday parade, there was a positive vibe among several business owners along Clay Avenue that downtown is seeing a revitalization. …J.D Griffin of Verona, said he opened his business selling vinyl records around Halloween last year, learning about the space from a friend he would talk with at a coffee shop. It took a lot of remodeling to make it into an inviting space. “I’ve put everything into it,” said Griffin, a former nightclub disc jockey who originally stocked his business with his large personal collection of albums and 45s. His inventory now is counted in thousands of records. The location has been good, with people coming to the store to buy all kinds of albums, some $1 and some collectibles that could be as high as $150, he said.

Savannah, GA | Savannah record store puts a new spin on vinyl production: A Savannah record store built on vinyl is now pressing its own, making it one of the only independent labels in the country to do so. Graveface Records, which started as a recording label releasing indie psych, shoegaze and elective music, has opened its own vinyl pressing plant near the Georgia state line. Each sift through the stacks at Graveface Records reveals a different sound, a different setlist and a different story. The shop’s shelves serve as a Savannah staple for vinyl collectors. “I didn’t go through a CD phase in the 90s like most people. I was buying records, which is how I was able to open the store,” said Ryan Graveface, the store’s owner. “It’s just something I enjoyed collecting and hoarding.”

London, UK | New second-hand record store, Crates R Us, opens in South London’s AAJA Basement: A new second-hand record store has opened inside South London bar, radio hub and venue, AAJA Basement. The crew behind aptly-titled Crates R Us have been active at the Deptford High Street address since 2018, where they have run a number of record fairs. This relationship has now blossomed into a permanent residency, helping to retain and grow daytime footfall at a time when grass roots music operations are struggling. “…The opportunity to house Crates has helped us to adapt to some of these challenges, providing financial support and increasing our resilience to rising costs, and the volatility of being a grassroots organisation,” said a spokesperson for AAJA in a statement.

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London, UK | London music venue AAJA opens second-hand record store in Deptford: Crates R Us has opened within the basement of AAJA in Deptford following the success of a series of record fairs. South London’s DIY music venue, bar, and radio station AAJA has newly launched a second-hand record store within its basement. The Deptford institution recently revealed the news on Instagram, explaining that the store, named Crates R Us, will open from Wednesdays to Sundays each week. It follows the success of a series of pop-up record fairs at the venue, and sees the AAJA crew collaborate with the Crates team—who have been involved with the venue since 2018. “Crates R Us opening has been a hugely positive step for AAJA,” the venue said in a statement. “Thus far it’s facilitated a really positive change of pace throughout the daytime, increasing footfall in the venue.”

Akron, OH | One last dig through bins at Square Records and Kenmore Komics: After decades as neighborhood anchors, the Highland Square record shop and the longtime Kenmore comic store are shutting down, drawing devoted customers from hours away for final visits. When Leslie Osborn learned that Square Records would be closing later this year, she made the hour drive from Ashland on Halloween to flip through the Akron store’s bins. The Highland Square record store is a destination for her, she said—she never leaves empty-handed. Weeks later, Brent Sobleski flipped through a different set of bins across town at Kenmore Komics. That store, too, will close later this month—perhaps as soon as Saturday. Sobleski, who in early December drove an hour and a half from Cadiz, spent $1,050 on more than 100 comic books, priced at 90% off.

CT | Connecticut Businesses That Closed In 2025: Replay Records in Hamden, which has been around for 35 years, closed at the end of July. The owners said they are planning to transition to online-only sales. Paul’s Boutique Records in Vernon, which opened in 2021, closed its physical store at the end of August. The owner said in an interview with CT Insider that he was hoping to “transition to something different,” aiming to sell and trade records out of an old barn. The Emporium, a record shop in Bridgeport that also sold antique books, closed at the end of March, with the owner saying in an interview that business never really recovered after COVID. The shop was first opened in 2017, but changed names in 2021.

Cork, IE | Stevie G: Back to the future for vinyl. Kids from my generation would have grown up in an era where CDs were coming in, vinyl was being pushed out, and the digital age of streaming was still a bit away, says Stevie G. …How come vinyl didn’t die? It was kept alive by independent shops, independent labels and by DJ culture. Many music fans who knew vinyl was the ultimate format kept their records. Youngsters like myself took advantage of older generations discarding their records and amassed huge collections for half nothing. Dance labels kept releasing vinyl as did other indies and when it came to hip-hop, drum n’ bass, r&b and other formats, vinyl remained king for the ’90s. The bigger shops here closed down (Virgin, HMV and even Golden Discs), but many independent ones kept the flag flying.

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