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

Shibuya, JP | Tower Records Shibuya, Undergoing Major Reformation: Tower Records Shibuya (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo), the iconic flagship store in Tokyo operated by Tower Records Japan Inc., is currently undergoing renovation works, starting from the entire 1st floor and parts of the 3rd to 6th floors, scheduled to hold the grand opening on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Reflecting the latest and freshest trends of the times, the store plans to proudly present the five fully-renovated floors to its customers. …The store will also launch a brand new feature on the same floor, “Tower Records Beer,”—a space where visitors can enjoy craft beer while they immerse themselves into their favorite music, providing an experience that blends music culture and lifestyles, precisely what the company is so well known for.

Los Angeles, CA | Forget Spotify, Here Are L.A.’s 27 Best Record Shops: Everyone would have said you were crazy to open a record shop in the last few decades, as sturdy and convenient cassettes, CDs, MP3s, and music streaming services took over the world’s speakers through the years. It’s a good thing Los Angeles didn’t listen. We live in an incredible town for record collectors, with a surfeit of vinyl shops and stands in just about every one of L.A.’s 88 cities and sprawling bewilderment of neighborhoods. So many that we feel we only scratched the surface in delivering you 27. Even after we added 10 more. So whether you’re a dedicated digger of crates, a touring name in turntablism, or merely a tocadisco-dilettante hoping to start your collection, we can promise you, you’re in the right town. Here are 27 of L.A.’s best record shops.

Georgetown, KY | Georgetown Underground to bring record shop, space for local musicians to downtown: Georgetown’s music community is continuing to grow and Georgetown Underground is setting up shop to be there for musicians and music fans alike looking for a space to belong. A passion project for James Maupin, Georgetown Underground will serve as a record shop and music venue in the heart of downtown. “I’ve always had the love of music,” Maupin said. “I go to concerts every time I have the chance. Mostly the heavier metal concerts. I love being around music.” Maupin is excited to support the local musicians in Georgetown and surrounding areas, he said. “We think there is a niche in Georgetown that needs to be filled,” Maupin said. “I buy tons of albums and music all the time and always have to go somewhere else.”

Toronto, CA | The gift of music: Here are 5 Toronto vinyl shops to find the perfect holiday present: From rare finds to independent releases and classic albums that shaped entire genres, there are plenty of record shops in the city that offer the whole package for every collector, casual listener, and vinyl novice. Vinyl is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with music, and Toronto’s record shop scene is at the heart of finding the perfect soundtrack for your favourite person this season. Skip the bustling store chaos this year and give the gift of music instead, as the city is stacked with incredible vinyl stores, each with its own vibe, specialties, and hidden gems. From rare finds to independent releases and classic albums that shaped entire genres, plenty of record shops offer the whole package for every collector, casual listener, and vinyl novice.

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Gosport, UK | Shoppers queue out the door for Record Store Day in Gosport: People have queued up at a record store to grab limited edition records. A queue formed outside A Slice of Vinyl Record Shop, Gosport, today from 6am, in anticipation of the limited edition records on offer for Record Store Day Black Friday. The shop had a one-in, one-out policy, which meant the early risers got the pick of the records.

Nantwich, UK | Crowds flocked to Applestump Records for Record Store Day: Nantwich music fans turned out in force when Applestump Records welcomed eager queues for the annual Record Store Day. From early morning, collectors and casual listeners lined up outside the independent store on Oatmarket to snap up exclusive limited-edition vinyl, special reissues, and new titles from contemporary artists. The day marked another high point for the shop following the success of April’s Record Store Day earlier in the year. Record Store Day is a nationwide celebration of independent record shops, uniting almost 300 UK stores and thousands more worldwide. Applestump Records has become a success story since Steve and Danielle Cook founded it during the pandemic. Their lockdown project with just 80 records has grown into a thriving community hub for music lovers across Nantwich and beyond.

Johnstown, PA | Johnstown record store sees strong Black Friday traffic: For many types of retailers, Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, has traditionally been the biggest day for sales. That tradition has faded with online shopping thinning crowds at big-box stores, but independent record stores remain a draw. About 20 people waited Friday outside George’s Song Shop for its 8 a.m. opening. Inside, hundreds of limited-edition vinyl albums were stocked for Black Friday, in addition to the shop’s usual wall-to-wall inventory. A continuous stream of customers entered the shop throughout the afternoon, purchasing multiple albums each. The shop at 128 Market St. in Johnstown has been owned by John George since 1962, but it dates back to 1932 and claims the title of “America’s oldest record store.”

Grand Junction, CO | Scores line up outside Triple Play Records for Black Friday, seeking exclusive finds: As deal-hunting shoppers eagerly planned to enter the doors of malls and major retailers early Friday morning, a smaller but equally passionate crowd started to form before dawn in front of Triple Play Records, the long-running music shop at 530 Main St. in downtown Grand Junction. …Peter Campbell arrived two hours before the shop opened, hoping to pick up an exclusive edition of the record “Big Lizard in My Backyard,” by the Dead Milkmen. Only 3,000 copies of the record were pressed on colored vinyl with exclusive cover art, in celebration of the album’s 40-year anniversary. None were authorized for sale before Friday, Nov. 28. Triple Play ordered 10 copies about three months ahead of time, of which they received only two. Campbell was lucky enough to snag one.

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CA | The successes and setbacks of the Canadian retail magnate who built his career on broken businesses: …Putman first attracted national attention in 2017 when he converted dozens of shuttered HMV Canada locations into Sunrise Records stores. HMV had launched in the country 31 years earlier, when Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” and Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away” were topping the charts. At its peak, the chain was the country’s largest music retailer. But by the time that the “Despacito” remix from Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber landed on the hit list, the business had collapsed as customers started moving away from buying CDs and into streaming tunes on Spotify, Google Play, Apple Music and the like. HMV had been losing $100,000 a day. And, yet, in all of the carnage, Putman saw opportunity.

Edinburgh, UK | Edinburgh record shop moving to Waverley Market after 40 years: A record shop in Edinburgh is moving to new digs at Waverley Market following a £100,000 investment. Avalanche Records has sold vinyl albums, CDs, T-shirts and other music memorabilia in the city since November 1983. Now, the shop is upgrading its physical footprint following record-breaking sales in 2025, buoyed by high profile gigs across Edinburgh, including Chappell Roan, AC/DC and Oasis. Kevin Buckle, the owner of Avalanche Records, said: “This move marks a huge moment for us and Waverley Market, as we move into the biggest space the centre has available. Our continued growth shows there is still very much a love for physical music, as music lovers look to find new talent as well as listen to their favourite stars.”

Cornbow, UK | Record shop’s opening ‘incredibly successful’ in Cornbow: A record shop is delighted after its opening in Halesowen was “incredibly successful” and “beyond expectations.” Independent retailer Revolution Records opened its store in the Cornbow Shopping Centre on Saturday November 8. It has hailed the opening a huge success and has high hopes for the future. Jasdeep Pala, of Revolution Records said: “The opening went way beyond expectations, it was incredibly successful. “We expect this initial hype to quickly die down, but we’re sure that this business can flourish here. “The community is showing lots of excitement and support. It was hectic on the opening day, but all the stress of the quick move felt worth it.”

Charlottesville, VA | The Music Beat: In a digital world, this Hoo is loyal to vinyl. When it comes to setting records, Omonye Isi prefers classic vinyl. Isi first joined the University of Virginia’s staff as a clinical research coordinator in the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center in 2023. A year later, when she was admitted to a master’s degree program in public health, she stopped commuting from Richmond and moved to Charlottesville. Aside from being a big music lover, Isi is pursuing a master’s in public health and working at the UVA Cancer Center. She brought with her a collection of nearly 150 records that she holds dear. “…First of all, the sound is very different. There’s a grittiness to it. I also feel like, in this digital era, there’s still value in holding something tangible and going through the physical motion of placing and playing the record. It makes me feel more connected to the sound, if that makes sense, because these are going to move with me forever.”

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Grand Rapids, MI | Not dead yet! Vinyl records strong comeback in Grand Rapids! For years we all loved our LPs, the vinyl records that we practically wore out as we played our favorite albums. The sound and quality were amazing. Then along came tape and then digital. They were easier, more accessible. Cassettes, CDs, downloads, whatever, it was so easy to carry our favorite music with us. Everyone was predicting the vinyl LP was dead. Nope! Not dead yet! In fact, vinyl has come roaring back as the favorite music medium for many audiophiles. Let’s face it, MP3 audio is good, but unless you have some outstanding high end audio equipment you’ll enjoy the song, but certainly not the depth and quality. Re-enter vinyl! Seriously, you will hear so much more from your LPs which are making a big comeback! However, the question is, where can you find LPs in Grand Rapids and West Michigan?

Brighton, UK | Bella Union Vinyl Shop opens new venue in Brighton: A new live music venue and café, studio and record shop have opened in Brighton’s North Laine. Bella Union is an independent record label and artist management company. They have won Independent Record Company of the Year four times, and their acts have won Mercury awards and earned Brit nominations. Whilst this venue in Gloucester Street is new, Bella Union has been a prominent part of Brighton’s music scene for many years. It is owned by Simon Raymonde, previously bassist for the Cocteau Twins, who established Bella Union in 1997. In reference to their new venue, Bella Union said: ‘After nine years in small brick and mortar retail spaces in Brighton, we stumbled across a building in the North Laine that could fit our record label operations, management company, recording studio, as well as a shop big enough to fit a cafe set up as well as accommodate live events—all under one roof!’

Detroit, MI | Third Man Records celebrating 10 years in Detroit on Black Friday with live music, new merch & more: Third Man Records is celebrating 10 years in Detroit’s Cass Corridor this November, with a special celebration on Black Friday. Located at 441 W. Canfield, the store opened on Black Friday in 2015 and will celebrate all day long on Nov. 28. “We’re really excited to celebrate ten years in Detroit,” said Roe Peterhans of Third Man Records. “There’s going to be giveaways that day, live DJ music, an open bar, and some incredible new product launches — it’s going to be a great time to come down, shop, and just experience the energy of the place.” With the induction of The White Stripes into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame earlier this month, Third Man will debut brand-new White Stripes merchandise and vinyl that has never been sold in stores, plus a special box set collection.

Pittsfield, MA | Spotlight on Indie Readery & Records—a brand new shop in downtown Pittsfield: Laurie and Emma Lenski have launched Indie Readery & Records, which opened on October 23 at 314 North Street in a 600-square-foot storefront near the corner of Melville Street. It offers a curated selection of new and used books, vinyl records, and a range of other items, including unique gifts and organic and personal care products. While the books cover a wide range of subjects, Indie Readery & Records specializes in those with a liberal and progressive viewpoint, as well as new ideas. “It’s very eclectic, and we have a wide variety of voices and products represented,” Emma explained. “I’d say we have something for everyone. At the same time, we have a strong social justice lens and want to be inclusive in serving populations and perspectives that are often underrepresented in mainstream culture. We’re also active in the LGBTQ+ community and represent that here.”

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Echo Park, CA | Latino record store in Echo Park raising funds to stay open: Sick City Records, a Latino-owned and operated record store in operation since 2006, is raising funds to prevent shutting down in Echo Park due to an increase in rent. The record store specializes in rock, punk and alternative music and features performances by local bands and sells their merch. They also have a large selection of vintage rock tees. It is pet-friendly and also has a full-service barber shop. “2025 has been tough, and we need your support to keep our doors open. Every donation helps us continue fostering creativity and community,” a post on their Instagram page says.

Hamilton, ON | Popular Hamilton record store opens second location in Dundas: One of Hamilton’s most popular record stores has opened a second location in Downtown Dundas. Revolution Records officially opened at the end of September at 32 King Street East in Dundas, taking over the storefront previously occupied by Records on Wheels, another music store that closed its doors in 2024 after 45 years in business. This new shop builds on the success of the original Revolution Records storefront located at 166 Ottawa Street North in the Crown Point neighbourhood, which remains open in tandem with the Dundas store. Revolution Records is a prime destination for new and used vinyl finds in all major genres like rock, pop, country, metal, soundtracks, jazz, and much more, sporting an enticing mix of the latest with harder to find gems.

Edmonds, WA | This Edmonds record shop offers a creative space for music lovers: Musicology Co. is full of musical treasures and art. While digital streaming dominates today’s music landscape, a new record store in Edmonds, WA, is proving that the magic of vinyl is alive and well. This women-owned music boutique—one of the few in Washington state—offers a diverse selection that brings the tactile joy of record collecting to the heart of the community. For owner Rachel Gardner, music has always been a part of life itself. Born in a music store and raised traveling with musician parents, she grew up understanding what artists need to thrive. At Musicology Co. in Edmonds, she’s created exactly that: a space where musicians can perform, share their work, and continue their creative journey. “I’ve always been a huge collector of music. The idea of bringing people together in a place where they can physically experience the music and listen to it made sense.”

York, UK | Record Plant York has opened its doors at 26 Gillygate: A new record shop, which pays homage to the contributions that York has made to 70/80s music, has opened its doors in York city centre. Record Plant, a new shop selling second-hand music including records, cassettes, CDs, and musical memorabilia, opened its doors at 26 Gillygate last Saturday (November 8). Owned by Choque Hosein and his business partners, the shop is far from his first foray into the music industry with his band – Black Star Liner—receiving a nomination for the 1999 Mercury Music Prize. After years of working in music and production, Choque set up a music venue of his own—The Old Woollen—in Farsley, Leeds, with the first Record Plant opened at the back of the venue in 2023. Since then, it’s gone from strength to strength and become a key part of the music community—something that the shop hopes to emulate in York.

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UK | Karen Emanuel predicts ‘steady growth’ for vinyl in 2026: Key Production Group founder Karen Emanuel has projected “steady growth” for vinyl in 2026 and saluted Taylor Swift’s impact on the physical music market. The overall vinyl market was up 10.7% year-on-year in Q3 at 1,498,693 units, according to data from the BPI, while sales for the year to date are up 7.4% at 4,733,937. …It was reported earlier this year that Key Production had seen a 50% surge in vinyl orders in 2025, and Emanuel told Music Week she expected the format’s upward trajectory to continue next year. “I think there’s going to be small, steady growth,” she said. “I think the vinyl market falsely skyrocketed during and after Covid, so now we’re just readjusting. Would I be worried if it didn’t? I wouldn’t be worried, because one year doesn’t tell the whole story. But everything to me is pointing towards steady growth.”

Phoenix, AZ | Phoenix record store’s new owner wants to build a ‘vinyl village.’ Here’s what that means: Josh ‘Breezy’ Briese puts a new spin on a storied midtown spot. Since Josh Briese took ownership of the long-running shop Tracks in Wax, the central Phoenix record store has gotten brighter. Literally. No shade to any of the vinyl haven’s previous owners. Those who own businesses have the freedom to do as they please. What Briese wanted was to remove the paper and decor that obscured the view of and from the store’s interior and use the ubiquitous Arizona sunlight as a beacon to draw people in. Doing so added a lightness to the place’s inner atmosphere. The thoughtful new airy feel, a deep clean and a roomy arrangement of the massive amount of records combine to make it feel like a new place.

Nashville, TN | Iconic Ernest Tubb Record Shop Reopening In Nashville As Four-Story Venue, Featuring A Honky-Tonk, Performance Space, And Record Store. Three years after closing, the legendary Ernest Tubb Record Shop in Nashville is set to reopen with a revitalized four-story space that honors the late country icon’s legacy. The newly restored venue preserved original elements from the iconic space like the exposed brick and various memorabilia, including letters from Johnny Cash and artifacts from Tubb’s celebrated career. Owned by Tusk Brothers Entertainment co-founders Jamie and Bryan Kenney—who partnered with Tubb’s grandson Dale Tubb to oversee the restoration—the space now features a honky-tonk with two stages (including the original Midnite Jamboree stage), a record shop, private event spaces, and a rooftop bar, aiming to revive the spirit of community, live music, and artist camaraderie that made the shop a historic country music hub since 1947.

Newtown, UK | Mike Breeze brings back Rainbow Records in Newtown: A well-known record and CD seller who opened his Newtown shop 40 years ago has come out of retirement during the run-up to Christmas. Rainbow Records’ Mike Breeze is a familiar face to many music lovers across Mid Wales and Shropshire having run his successful business over five decades, which included promoting bands all over the country and playing records on BBC Shropshire. He opened his first record shop in Shrewsbury in 1974 before moving to Oswestry. But it was in 1985 when Mike opened Rainbow Records in Park Street, Newtown, where he traded successfully for more than 25 years. Mike told the County Times: “I loved my time in Newtown, where I have made many good friends and super customers.” After 20 further years trading on market stalls in Welshpool, Llandrindod Wells and Llanidloes, Mike has returned to his roots and is trading again in Newtown.

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Chicago, IL | Torn Light Records reopens after a month of mopping up: Torn Light Records moved from Cincinnati to Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood in June 2024 and quickly established itself as one of our city’s premier record stores. But in early October, broken plumbing in the unit above Torn Light flooded the shop four times in a 48-hour period, forcing owners Alex York and Dan Buckley to temporarily shutter the storefront. “It was a very scary month,” York says. “Truly horrible, making zero dollars for a month. For a small business, it doesn’t work. We don’t have excess cash.” Earlier in November, York and Buckley got some money from their insurance company, and they’ve been diligently working to reopen the shop.

Andover, UK | Andover’s Vinyl Haven Spins Into Its Seventh Year: Tucked away up the alley in George Yard, just by Wetherspoons, lies one of Andover’s most treasured hidden gems—The Record Box. This independent record store, founded in 2018, has now been serving the town’s music lovers for seven years, offering a haven for anyone with a passion for vinyl. Owned and run by Phil Nightingale, The Record Box is a celebration of music’s timeless appeal. With over 40 years of experience as a dealer in vintage and collectible items, Phil’s eye for quality and authenticity is second to none. His journey began decades ago in the world of vintage toys, but as the internet transformed that market, he shifted his focus to something closer to his heart—records.“Records just have a nicer sound,” Phil said. “We listen in analogue, not digital. Music is the key to life—it lives in people’s minds, tied to the good and bad moments of their lives.”

Peterborough, UK | Date revealed for opening of vinyl record store HMV in Peterborough: The date for the much-anticipated opening of vinyl record store HMV in Peterborough has been revealed. The new store will open on the ground floor of the Queensgate Shopping Centre on Friday, November 21. And bosses of the entertainment music chain are promising a free pop culture goodie bag to the first 20 customers through the doors. HMV first announced three months ago that it was returning to the Queensgate Shopping Centre. Details of the opening have been released by Queensgate managers. In a social media post, they stated: “The wait is almost over. “HMV returns to Queensgate on November 21. Be one of the first 20 customers to get a FREE pop culture goodie bag.”

Nashville, TN | Historic Ernest Tubb Record Shop celebrates revitalized space before reopening: “We want to restore the DNA of what made it great.” Tubb’s grandson Dale Tubb and Tusk Brothers’ Jamie and Bryan Kenney speak about reviving the longtime Nashville space. …While the shop sold vinyl records and music songbooks, it also became a heralded performance spot due to Tubb’s Midnite Jamboree, where artists who were performing on Saturday nights at the Grand Ole Opry (then centered at the Ryman Auditorium) would head to the nearby shop afterward to perform late-night sets that would broadcast on WSM radio. Over the years, Tubb, who joined the cast of the Opry in 1943, welcomed and encouraged artists including Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash, giving younger artists valuable career exposure. Over time, the shop became a home for community and camaraderie.

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Hanover, PA | New vinyl record store opening this week in York County: A brand new locally owned record store will soon be making its debut in York County. Later this week, music enthusiast Aaron ‘Nugget’ Vlahos will officially open the doors to his first ever record shop called Kosmos Music, which was named in honor of his father. Once open, the new store will be located at 12 Center Square in Hanover. According to Vlahos, his new record store is going to offer a little bit of everything as it relates to the genre of tunes, but he is mainly going to focus on offering indie, rock, and punk options. Vlahos says his vinyl record collection consists of around 2,500 albums, some of which were purchased by a former record store owner named Shane Warner, who use to own and operate Squid Wax in Hanover. In addition to the competitively priced vinyl records, the new Kosmos Music will also be stocked up with various CDs, music posters, turntables, and t-shirts.

Nashville, TN | Ernest Tubb Record Shop Prepares for a Comeback: Revived Lower Broadway landmark to celebrate grand reopening. After a few years dormant, Lower Broadway institution Ernest Tubb Record Shop is set to make a grand return on Thursday, Nov. 13. The shop founded by the late country star opened at a different site downtown in 1947, moved to 417 Broadway in 1951 and closed in 2022 after the building changed hands a couple of times in successive years. It also historically served as the broadcast site for live performances on the Midnite Jamboree radio show (which eventually moved out to the Music Valley area near the Grand Ole Opry House). …The ground floor aims to be much like other honky-tonks on Broadway, with live music on two stages. On the second floor is the record store, intended to re-create the vibe of the original shop; there will also be space for acoustic performances.

Barcelona, SP | Barcelona’s Integrity Records to open new shop in Lisbon: The El Poblenou space has also announced a series of community events. Integrity Records has announced a second branch in Lisbon. The Barcelona record store told Resident Advisor that the new venture, set to open in mid-2026, will be run in collaboration with tINI. Further details are TBA. Launched last December, Integrity Records is an appointment-only store based in a loft location in the Barcelona’s 22@ district. The space also hosts open days and collaborative pop-ups with local partners such as Ombra Festival, Mostra Festival and ÍNTIMO. Integrity is home to a newly-launched in-house label, 22 Recordings, which last month put out a VA EP featuring Candido, Cohema, R.Leu and shop co-owner Cruz. Each release is pressed in a run of 30 copies and available exclusively via the store.

Ludlow, MA | Raspberries Records Taps into a Vinyl Revival: As he was explaining why vinyl has been staging a dramatic comeback over the past decade, Bob Roccanti stopped, reached into a box, and pulled out a Stevie Wonder album, circa 1972. “Look at this … you buy this, you’ve got some artwork,” he said as he showed the cover. “And there’s lyrics, inside you’ve got some more things …a lot of these record albums tell a story. “It’s a lot warmer than this,” he went on, holding up his cell phone and opining that this is just one reason why some Baby Boomers are rebuilding the record collections that filled their dorm rooms in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s and also why their children and even grandchildren are embracing vinyl—although Taylor Swift is probably the biggest reason there. All this also explains Raspberries Records, a long-held dream and entrepreneurial gambit (although he says it’s not much of a gamble) for Roccanti, a retired wireless industry executive.

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Liverpool, UK | Brick and mortar shops like ours are essential—we need them for human interaction: Last month, Mathew Street Records opened its doors to become Liverpool’s latest vinyl record shop. It followed in the footsteps of vinyl-vending giants Rough Trade who opened on Hanover Street in April last year. The store, located in the Cavern Walks Arcade on Mathew Street, offers new and second-hand records; and coffee from the in-store Library Coffee House café. Speaking with the ECHO this week, owner Peter Wilson, 37, described brick-and-mortar shops like his as “essential.” Peter told the ECHO: “Brick-and-mortars are definitely essential, because it’s that human interaction. We’re humans, we want to see each other, we want to get out and do things. If you buy a record online, it’s a cold transaction: that’s the record, that’s the condition, that’s the price—and that’s it.”

Chicago, IL | Chicago’s Miyagi Records broken into again: ‘Can’t catch a break.’ Hundreds of records were stolen from the Washington Park store. Miyagi Records has been broken into for a second time. The Chicago record shop shared the news on Instagram Stories last Thursday, November 6th, revealing that “a few hundred 45s and 100-plus albums” were stolen. Owners have asked for anyone with information to come forward. “If you are, or are friends with any shops in the city, we’d appreciate any help in spreading the word,” the post read. “Can’t catch a break.” It’s the second time Miyagi Records has been broken into this year. In May, thieves stole five boxes of records and the cash register during a break-in. However, the Washington Park store confirmed that the records were later returned. Read the post in full.

Bridport, UK | Rare Ithaca record sells for £5k at Clocktower Records auction: The sale of a rare record discovered in a charity shop has raised £5,000 after a bidding war at auction. An ‘unbelievably rare’ record from 70s psychedelic rock band Ithaca sold for £5,059.68 – with the money going to a good cause—following the conclusion of an eBay auction. The band’s 1972 LP—A Game For All Who Knows—was only pressed 99 times and was being auctioned off by Bridport record store Clocktower Records. The record was valued at around £2,000 but a last minute bidding war saw the price more than double in the final few minutes as record collectors sought to out bid each other and claim the ‘holy grail’ of records. Around 100 people had been keeping their eye on the vinyl and the price rose by £3,000 as the final few minutes of the auction ticked down in what was an exciting finale to the sale.

New Orleans, LA | Record Raid Expands with Louisiana Vintage Festival: Music and vintage clothing enthusiasts will converge at the House of Blues on Nov. 15 for the Louisiana Vintage Festival Record Raid, a large-scale marketplace celebrating vinyl culture. The event will bring together more than 25 regional record dealers and 10 vintage clothing vendors offering an array of LPs, 45s, CDs and cassettes alongside retro apparel like band tees and concert memorabilia. The lineup includes well-known names such as Preservation Hall, Tipitina’s Record Club, Euclid Records, Sisters in Christ, Domino Sound, New Orleans Record Press, Vice & Graft and Swamp Rags. Collectors can expect everything from budget-friendly classics to rare, sought-after albums across all genres and eras.

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Dubuque, IA | Shop local for the holidays: This holiday season, don’t just shop local, shop cozy: Ruix Records. Walk in to Ruix Records for the chill vibes, and flip through their “affordable records for all kinds of people,” said co-owner, Bob Bucko. Vinyl is having a major resurgence that this record store is well prepared for, whether vinyl aficionados are adding to their well-loved collections or are just getting one started. “We’re seeing more teenagers buying CDs, too, and we also cater to people who just got their first record player,” Bucko says. If you’re not sure what to buy for a music-loving teen, this might be the way to go—there’s new and used vinyl and CDs, turntables, speakers and other components, as well as vintage clothing (that’s just getting started at the store). Customers can listen to records at a listening station before they purchase them. Of course, when not sure what to choose, gift certificates are always a thoughtful option.

Bridport, UK | Clocktower Records helping Jamaica after hurricane Melissa: A reggae enthusiast in Bridport is selling records to support those affected by hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Music lover Roy Gregory, who runs Clocktower Records on St Michael’s Trading Estate, has been quick to support people who have recently had their homes, businesses and livelihoods completely destroyed. The island was battered by the category five hurricane, one of the worst to hit the island ever, which swept the region on October 28. The disaster killed at least 28 people in Jamaica and more in Haiti and other affected regions. To give back, staff have set up a display of reggae records, with half of the proceeds of the sales being donated to the Jamaican government’s official relief fund, to help them start to rebuild their lives. The fundraiser will last for the entire month, and Mr Gregory is also working with local photographer Adrian Boot, who is selling photographs to support Jamaica.

Seattle, WA | Record shop gives free Nirvana tattoos in honor of 20th anniversary: To celebrate the 20th anniversary release of Nirvana’s In Utero album, Silver Platters record store in SoDo offered free tattoos of the band’s iconic smiley face logo to anyone who purchased the remastered CD or vinyl. The back corner of the store became an impromptu Nirvana convention, with fans who went to Nirvana shows back in the day trading stories with fans who were just babies 20 years ago. There were supplies for 70 tattoos, and they expected to go through them all. Universal, who is reissuing the album, paid for the tattoo supplies and artists.

Midlands, UK | ‘Nostalgic’ West Midlands music shop aims to bring the ‘cool’ factor back: The vinyl-only store will be paradise for anyone wanting to scratch that musical itch. A new record store has opened on the Knowle High Street. He said his first memory was of his dad buying a Queen album when he was the age of two. And now former radio DJ John Ellis, who also booked festivals and managed labels, is continuing his life of music. Slow Century Records opens today, (Saturday, November 8) a physical place to ‘hang out’ after starting online over the pandemic. Vinyl-only to begin with, the shop in Knowle will be musical paradise for anyone who shares John’s passion. A mental health nurse for 25 years, John, from Shirley, wants people to leave happy and aims to bring the cool factor back to record shops. Speaking to BirminghamLive, he said: “This is a great place to hang out and talk to people who know what they’re talking about. “Record shops used to be cool and they still should be. I hope to bring some of that back.”

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York, UK | First look: Inside York’s new record shop—with its tribute to legendary city store. A brand new record shop opens in York today (Saturday, 11/8). Record Plant will open its doors on 26 Gillygate from 10am—offering a mix of new and second-hand records, cassettes, and memorabilia. The Leeds-based business has its flagship shop in Farsley since 2023, and is excited to be opening its second bricks-and-mortar store in here in York. YorkMix chatted with the owner, Choque Hosein, to find out more. “I’ve been involved in music all my life,” said Choque. He’s part of the band Black Star Liner, which formed in 1994, and their second album Bengali Bantam Youth Experience! was nominated for the 1999 Mercury Music Prize. The name Record Plant is inspired by the name of the studio where Fleetwood Mac recorded their album ‘Rumours.’ “That’s why there’s a lot of Fleetwood,” said Choque. “We just did it as a bit of a joke, really. It’s still the biggest selling album—it’s never left the top 100!”

Mercer, GA | Vertigo Vinyl spins from freshman dream to record success: Three revolutions later, Noah Silver ’26 and Vertigo Vinyl play on in Mercer Village with an eye for expansion. Vertigo Vinyl traded jump scares for Florence Welsh’s haunting vocals this Halloween, kicking off the holiday with a listening party on the day that Florence + The Machine released its new album, “Everybody Scream,” on Oct. 31. The shop regularly hosts listening parties for a variety of artists, as it did last week for the popular indie rock band from London. The album blared through the store’s speakers while attendees discussed their favorite songs. Noah Silver ‘26, a Macon native, is the owner of the record shop in Mercer Village, where Linden Avenue and Coleman Avenue meet. Each listener—of which there were only a handful on the afternoon of Halloween—left the shop with a poster and tote bag, which would typically come with a purchase, but since Silver “didn’t even have time to post the event,” he rewarded guests with these items for free.

Birmingham, AL | Seasick Records celebrating 12 years in Birmingham: …“I feel like I haven’t stopped moving for 12 years,” Drinkard explained. “In a great way, but also in a little bit of an exhausting way. I think that when we opened, I saw a need in Birmingham for a place like Seasick that would, you know, carry new music and highlight new artists. There wasn’t really a record store in town that was doing that at the time, and so I felt like there was a gap there that we needed to fill.” Seasick has moved four times since it opened in 2013 and has settled into its current location at 3131 5th Avenue South. “We’re still fresh into our new location. We’ve only been here a little over six months, and you know, we’re still kind of getting used to the space and filling it out and figuring out how to do things here, and how we can grow, and continue to make things better, and do more events, and find ways to connect with the community and give back in what little ways we can,” Drinkard said.

New Braunfels, TX | Locally owned record store expands in New Braunfels: Vintage record store Yard Sale Records—located at 800 S. Business I-35, Ste. 600—has nearly doubled in size after acquiring the neighboring suite in the strip mall in October. Yard Sale Records is locally owned by Howard Lovell, who opened the store in March 2024, as previously reported by Community Impact. The additional suite space adds “twice the fun” to the traditional record store experience and adds more space for anything music related Lovell said. “It’s just more space for everything that we’ve got,” Lovell said. Yard Sale Records sells a wide range of new and used vinyl records from various genres. The store also sells vintage memorabilia, CDs, cassette tapes, books and more. The record store also participates in vinyl markets and hosts performances from local artists.

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Vancouver, CA | From Digital to Disc: How Gen Zs are reshaping their music listening habits: Even with digital music available on streaming platforms like Spotify, Gen Zs are drawn to records. Vancouver’s oldest independent record store, Neptoon Records, looks a little different than it did 20 years ago. Back in the early 2000s, the store’s shelves were filled with CDs and cassette tapes, with a few vinyl records on display. Today the store has an abundance of records, which are now their main products. “Instead of people consuming new music via CD, they are consuming vinyl. So, half the store is filled with new vinyl,” said Ben Frith, co-owner of Neptoon Records. Frith along with his father Rob have been running the store since it opened in 1981. Ben has been engrossed with the family business all his life and has witnessed the shift in customers buying new albums released on vinyl.

Solihull, UK | Vinyl rock shop opens: Knowle gets niche music shop run by former mental health nurse: A rock and heavy metal-loving former NHS mental health nurse is opening a music shop for vinyl enthusiasts. John Ellis is launching Slow Century Records on Knowle High Street this Saturday (Nov 8). The shop will feature a curated selection of new and pre-loved records across the rock, metal, prog and alternative sounds genres. It will also stock musics from Midlands-based artists. John spent more than 20 years as mental health nurse across the West Midlands. …Slow Century Records is a chapter that brings John closer to home. “Music has always been about connection—whether that’s helping people through a tough time or sharing a record that means something,” said John. “Slow Century Records is about slowing down, listening properly and rediscovering the joy of music with other people.”

St. Louis, MO | Tom “Papa” Ray gives record stores their due with ‘Papa Ray’s Vintage Vinyl Roadshow.’ The PBS show from the DJ, musician, and owner of St. Louis’ Vintage Vinyl recently snagged two Mid-America Emmy nominations. Tom “Papa” Ray has never had to look far to find a friend—especially when there’s a record spinning in the background. …It’s this love of music and all things vintage that carved out an extraordinary life for Ray—and ultimately inspired him to create and host the PBS series Papa Ray’s Vintage Vinyl Roadshow, which airs Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. on Nine PBS. Since getting its start in 2019, the docuseries has notched two seasons and 12 episodes to its name, with its globe-trotting protagonist decamping from his Gateway City home base to such cultural hubs as Detroit, New York, Seattle, Atlanta, and even as far as the UK.

Los Angeles, CA | Hello, yellow brick road: Elton John thanks record store owner for random act of kindness. Elton John was recently reunited with an important artifact from his illustrious career. Elton posted on Instagram a photo of himself and Alex Rodriguez, who owns the LA record store Record Safari and curates vinyl for Coachella. In the photo, Alex is handing Elton an orange vinyl album in a plastic sleeve marked Trident. “Every so often, there are acts of kindness that remind you there are still a lot of good people in this world,” Elton captioned the post. “Alex Rodriguez … recently came across the original acetates from the first recordings of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. They’re still in their Trident Studios sleeves, in beautiful condition—a real piece of history.” …”Instead of selling them or keeping them for himself, Alex reached out and offered to return them to me personally. While they’d be valuable to anyone, to me these recordings are truly priceless, and I am incredibly grateful for his kindness, generosity, and his love of music.”

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London, UK | The world’s first museum of youth culture to open in the UK—and it has its own record store: With the pressures of modern life, many of us dream of stepping back in time and being a teenager again. And while we can’t be 19 forever, a new museum in London is set to take guests through a time machine to relive their carefree youth. The world’s first museum dedicated entirely to youth culture will open in London this December. …The museum will also house a café and a record store hosting exhibitions, talks, workshops and community events. The Museum of Youth Culture’s founder, Jon Swinstead, said: “This is more than a place to look back; it’s a space to participate, contribute, and shape the cultural narrative together. Camden has been synonymous with music and youth culture for decades, making it the natural home for the Museum.”

Washington, DC | Your Guide to 11 Record Stores in the DC Area: Where to spend a day sifting through new and used albums to build your vinyl collection. If you grew up in DC during the 1980s, you remember when record stores were popular and plentiful. You couldn’t walk a block in Georgetown or Dupont Circle without hitting at least one new- or used-­vinyl shop. Even in the wake of streaming services, you’d be mistaken if you thought record stores had gone the way of the dodo. Vinyl sales have rebounded enough that there’s still a healthy supply of independent stores in the Washington area. If you’re looking to drop a needle on some new-to-you tracks, follow these itineraries and pretend it’s the ’80s all over again.

Karachi, PK | Karachi’s hidden gem keeps vinyl culture alive: Vinyl and cassette culture may be slowly fading in Pakistan, but the nostalgia of old school music lives on. Vinyl and cassette culture may be slowly fading in Pakistan, but the nostalgia of old school music lives on. While stores like HMV abroad remain bustling hubs for music collectors, Karachi has its own small yet thriving scene for those who still love the charm of LPs and cassettes. For music enthusiasts, Saddar in Karachi hides a special spot where vinyl collectors and casual listeners can explore stacks of records, CDs, and record players. Tucked inside a cozy apartment in the Rainbow Center, the shop is a colorful haven for anyone passionate about music. …Collectors searching for rare gems will also find pristine albums from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, offering a tangible connection to music history.

Haverfordwest, UK | Terminal Records, Haverfordwest, closes after 45 years: A Pembrokeshire shop that changed the lives of its customers closed Saturday, November 1, after more than 45 years in business. Terminal Records in Haverfordwest reached its terminus, with customers coming to say their goodbyes and share a glass of wine and a piece of cake as well as to say their goodbyes to owner and local legend Martin Thompson. Martin set up Terminal Records on September 6, 1980, when he hired a trestle table in the old Market Hall in Market Street, Haverfordwest. He was inspired by university friend, Hag Harries who opened a record shop in Lampeter and decided to follow suit. When the old market was demolished in 1982 Terminal Records moved to Haverfordwest’s new Riverside Market. Martin had an island shop there until the market was closed in 2016 to make way for the new library.

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3 things you might have missed from Universal’s Q3 earnings call: …One of the more impressive (and surprising) numbers in UMG’s Q3 earnings was a 23.1% YoY jump in revenue from physical music sales, growing to €341 million (USD $398.31 million) in the quarter. UMG attributed this particularly to initial shipments of Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl and “strength in new releases, particularly in Japan.” That makes it sound like a one-off; after all, Japan is known for music fans that have steadfastly hung on to physical music through the digital revolution, and Taylor Swift is, well, Taylor Swift. But on the earnings call, UMG CFO Matthew Ellis suggested that this is more than a one-off—physical sales might actually be a source of growth going forward.

West Parley, UK | Record store with ‘a bit of everything’ opens at antique shop: A new trader at an antique shop is hoping to bring a memorable shopping experience to music lovers. The latest trader at Room 1553 Antiques and Collectables, in West Parley, is selling vinyl, cassette tapes and all things old-school physical media. Kevin Mitchell, 62, said: “I’ve always liked vinyl (records), like a lot of people. “I started with antiques and stuff like that, but I’ve always wanted to have somewhere where I could trade records.” Room 1553 is owned by Steve and Lisa Tydeman, which hosts a bevy of traders who sell antiques, vintage clothing and gifts. Kevin began trading at the antique dealership at the beginning of September and has thoroughly enjoyed the experience so far. Tucked away in a cosy corner of the antique shop, the record store boasts more than 1,200 records spanning all genres and tastes.

Cheyenne, WY | Favorite Cheyenne vinyl record store has a new owner: There once was a used bookstore in downtown Cheyenne. However, bookstores are harder to find these days, as people are reading on their tablets and mobile devices. The owner notices that there has been a resurgence in vinyl records. Used and classic records are popular. So he moved the books out, the records in, and changed the name to Downtown Vinyl. A few years later, he retired and sold the store with the new owner packing it with records, cassettes, and 8-track tapes along with players. Now he has sold the store to yet another, and he just took it over on Halloween of 2025. “As of 1000 this morning Chuck and I became the former owners of Downtown Vinyl. It has been our pleasure to meet all of the great customers/friends and wish you all the best. We leave Downtown Vinyl in great hands, please keep supporting John as we know he will do great things for the store…”

A Morecambe, UK | Popular Morecambe record shop up for sale: Eden Music on Skipton Street, Morecambe, was formerly Vintage Vinyl on Albert Road, which relocated in 2019. Paula Baker and her husband Mark opened Vintage Vinyl in Albert Road in 2014, but they outgrew the space, and needed larger premises to accommodate their huge vinyl collection. The husband and wife partnership enabled them to open a unique, nostalgic and very chaotic record shop, selling pre-loved vinyl, cassettes, CD’s, equipment and memorabilia. The business grew from a deep-routed passion for all genres of music. …“Mark and I have now made the decision to retire. We have true mixed feelings; there is a sadness to ending an era of playing music every day, meeting amazingly interesting people, and learning so much from so many, to being excited for new adventures and new horizons, being able to spend more time with family, and stepping closer to our dream for off-grid living!”

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IE | Industry Review: The Business of Vinyl. Vinyl is back, and it’s not just down to some passing trend or nostalgia. Across Ireland, record players are being dusted off, and a whole new generation is discovering the magic of the album. Emmet Oliver is joined by Chris Keena from Anthem Vinyl, Ireland’s only record pressing plant; Ray O’Brien, owner of Music Zone in Togher, Cork; and Enda Gogarty from Spindizzy Records in Dublin to talk about the vinyl revival, what’s behind it, and why it’s here to stay.

Chicago, IL | Local Couple spins success at Beverly Phono Mart: Beverly Phono Mart, known affectionately as BPM, has quickly become one of Beverly and Morgan Park’s favorite creative hangouts. The name itself nods to its rhythm, doubling as a wink to “beats per minute,” the universal pulse of music. Husband and wife Mallory McClaire and Chantala Kommanivahn, both proud Beverly residents, officially opened Beverly Phono Mart in August 2021. The idea came during the pandemic, when the couple often drove to record stores in other towns, only to find many closed. That experience sparked an idea to open their own shop, knowing there had to be other local music lovers doing the same thing. For Chantala, opening a business in Beverly was about more than vinyl. A firm believer in supporting the community you live in, he saw the neighborhood’s walkability and small-town feel as the perfect fit.

Nashville, TN | Ernest Tubb Record Shop returns to Lower Broadway: Music is the heart of Nashville, and few places embody that legacy quite like the Ernest Tubb Record Shop. After closing its doors in 2022, the legendary store has officially reopened on Lower Broadway, restoring a beloved piece of Music City history. First opened in 1951 by Grand Ole Opry star Ernest Tubb, the record shop became a cornerstone for country music fans and artists alike. It was home to the Midnite Jamboree, which featured some of the genre’s greatest legends — from Loretta Lynn and Hank Williams to Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash. Now under new management, including Tubb’s grandson, Dale Tubb, and the Tusk Brothers, the store’s revival celebrates both heritage and future.

Roseburg, OR | Give Me a Kissa: A record store and sake bar, inspired by Japan. “Ride this train to Roseburg, Oregon,” says Johnny Cash in his gravelly intro to “Lumberjack,” the third track of his 1960 concept album, Ride This Train. Over the blare of a rail whistle, Cash continues: “Now there’s a town for you—and you talk about rough.” Rough this southern Oregon town still can be, and unashamedly redneck with flotillas of pick-up trucks routinely lifted high enough for drivers to slam dunk a basketball merely by reaching out the window. Gun sellers outnumber bookstores at least 10 to 1 (and that’s a used bookstore). So imagine my surprise finding a sake and record bar. Japanese rice wine and new vinyl albums here? Yes! Long and slim, lined with framed music photography and album racks jam-packed with collectors’ wet dreams, Reverie Record Shop is a corridor drawing the wanderer away from SE Jackson St.

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