menu
HomeMusicVinyl & CollectiblesTop 10 Vinyl Record Stores in the U.S.

Top 10 Vinyl Record Stores in the U.S.

Vinyl record stores in the U.S. have experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, becoming vibrant hubs for music enthusiasts and collectors alike. These stores offer a unique experience, allowing customers to browse through a diverse selection of new and vintage vinyl records, as well as various music-related collectibles.

Advertisement

Across the country, vinyl record stores have evolved into community spaces that not only sell music but also foster a culture of appreciation for the art form. Many shops host live performances, listening parties, and special events that celebrate local artists and genres, creating a sense of camaraderie among patrons. Collectors flock to these stores in search of rare pressings, limited editions, and classic albums, while newcomers are often introduced to the tactile pleasure of vinyl for the first time. Additionally, the resurgence of interest in analog formats has prompted stores to expand their offerings to include turntables, accessories, and even music-related memorabilia. This combination of nostalgia and contemporary relevance has made vinyl record stores essential destinations for music lovers across the U.S.

  • Amoeba Music
    Amoeba Music

    Amoeba Music - Eclectic selection of vinyl; vibrant music community hub.

    View All
  • Vinyl Me, Please
    Vinyl Me, Please

    Vinyl Me, Please - Curated vinyl subscription service with exclusive pressings.

    View All
  • The Vinyl District
    The Vinyl District

    The Vinyl District - Curated vinyl selection, local music events, passionate community.

    View All
  • Bull Moose
    Bull Moose

    Bull Moose - Bull Moose: Diverse vinyl selection, music-centric community hub.

    View All
  • Newbury Comics
    Newbury Comics

    Newbury Comics - Eclectic store offering vinyl, comics, and pop culture merchandise.

    View All
  • Rough Trade
    Rough Trade

    Rough Trade - Iconic store known for indie music and vinyl selection.

    View All
  • Record Surplus
    Record Surplus

    Record Surplus - Top vinyl stores thriving with high sales and demand.

    View All
  • Grimey's
    Grimey's

    Grimey's - Nashville's iconic store, specializing in vinyl records and music.

    View All
  • Reckless Records
    Reckless Records

    Reckless Records - Reckless Records: Chicago's vibrant hub for vinyl enthusiasts.

    View All
  • Easy Street Records
    Easy Street Records

    Easy Street Records - Eclectic vinyl selection; vibrant community atmosphere; Seattle's gem.

    View All

Top 10 Vinyl Record Stores in the U.S.

1.

Amoeba Music

less
Amoeba Music is a renowned independent music retailer with locations in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Hollywood, celebrated for its vast selection of new and used vinyl records. Founded in 1990, it has become a cultural landmark in the music community, offering a diverse range of genres, rare finds, and limited editions. The spacious stores feature not only vinyl but also CDs, DVDs, and merchandise, creating an immersive shopping experience for music lovers. Amoeba is known for its knowledgeable staff and vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for collectors and casual listeners alike.

Pros

  • pros Diverse selection of vinyl
  • pros knowledgeable staff
  • pros vibrant atmosphere
  • pros frequent live events
  • pros strong community connections.

Cons

  • consLimited selection of new releases
  • cons Higher prices compared to online retailers
  • cons Crowded store can be overwhelming
  • cons Staff knowledge varies significantly
  • cons Parking can be challenging.

2.

Vinyl Me, Please

less
Vinyl Me, Please is a premier vinyl record subscription service and store based in the U.S. Known for its curated selections, the service delivers exclusive pressings and limited-edition releases directly to subscribers’ doorsteps each month. Founded in 2013, Vinyl Me, Please emphasizes the joy of music discovery, offering a diverse range of genres and artists. The store also features a dedicated space for vinyl enthusiasts to explore, engage in community events, and connect with fellow music lovers. With its focus on quality and accessibility, Vinyl Me, Please has become a beloved destination for vinyl collectors nationwide.

Pros

  • pros Curated monthly selections
  • pros exclusive pressings
  • pros high-quality packaging
  • pros vibrant community engagement
  • pros personalized recommendations.

Cons

  • consHigh subscription cost
  • cons Limited selection for mainstream artists
  • cons Shipping delays can occur
  • cons Membership required for discounts
  • cons Not all records are exclusive.

3.

The Vinyl District

less
The Vinyl District is a celebrated resource for vinyl enthusiasts, showcasing the top ten record stores across the United States. It highlights a diverse range of shops, from iconic destinations in bustling cities to hidden gems in quieter locales, each offering a unique selection of vinyl records spanning various genres. The Vinyl District emphasizes the vibrant culture surrounding vinyl collecting, promoting local artists and fostering community connections. With expert recommendations and insights, it serves as an essential guide for both seasoned collectors and newcomers eager to explore the rich world of vinyl records.

Pros

  • pros Extensive selection of rare vinyl
  • pros knowledgeable staff
  • pros inviting atmosphere
  • pros regular live events
  • pros strong community engagement.

Cons

  • consLimited selection of mainstream titles
  • cons Higher prices compared to online retailers
  • cons Smaller store space
  • cons Inconsistent inventory turnover
  • cons Limited online presence.

4.

Bull Moose

less
Bull Moose is a renowned chain of independent record stores located primarily in Maine, celebrated for its extensive selection of vinyl records, CDs, and more. Founded in 1989, Bull Moose stands out for its commitment to music and pop culture, offering a diverse range of genres that caters to both avid collectors and casual listeners. The store's knowledgeable staff provides personalized recommendations, enhancing the shopping experience. With a focus on community engagement and hosting events, Bull Moose has solidified its reputation as a beloved destination for music enthusiasts across the U.S.

Pros

  • pros Wide selection of new and used records
  • pros knowledgeable and passionate staff
  • pros inviting atmosphere for music lovers
  • pros frequent events and live performances
  • pros competitive pricing and regular discounts.

Cons

  • consHigh prices on some items
  • cons Limited selection of new releases
  • cons Crowded during peak hours
  • cons Inconsistent staff knowledge
  • cons Parking can be challenging.

5.

Newbury Comics

less
Newbury Comics, a beloved chain founded in 1978, has become a staple in the vinyl record scene across the U.S. Known for its eclectic selection, the store offers a diverse array of vinyl records spanning various genres, alongside CDs, collectibles, and unique pop culture merchandise. With locations primarily in New England, Newbury Comics creates a vibrant community atmosphere, often hosting events and in-store performances. Its commitment to fostering a love for music and pop culture makes it a must-visit destination for vinyl enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike.

Pros

  • pros Wide selection of vinyl records
  • pros knowledgeable staff
  • pros unique merchandise
  • pros vibrant in-store events
  • pros strong community engagement.

Cons

  • consLimited selection of rare records
  • cons Higher prices compared to other stores
  • cons Crowded during peak hours
  • cons Staff knowledge can vary
  • cons Online inventory may not be accurate.

6.

Rough Trade

less
Rough Trade is a celebrated vinyl record store renowned for its vast selection of new and used records, spanning various genres, from indie rock to classic jazz. Located in multiple cities, including its flagship store in Brooklyn, New York, Rough Trade offers a vibrant shopping experience, complete with a café and live music events. The store not only caters to audiophiles but also fosters a sense of community among music lovers. With its knowledgeable staff and curated collections, Rough Trade has established itself as a pivotal destination for vinyl enthusiasts in the U.S.

Pros

  • pros Wide selection of vinyl
  • pros Knowledgeable staff
  • pros Vibrant atmosphere
  • pros Frequent live events
  • pros Strong community connections.

Cons

  • consLimited space can feel cramped
  • cons higher prices on some items
  • cons inconsistent stock availability
  • cons occasional long checkout lines
  • cons parking can be challenging.

7.

Record Surplus

less
Record Surplus, located in Los Angeles, California, is a renowned destination for vinyl enthusiasts. Known for its extensive selection of new and used records, it boasts a diverse range of genres, from classic rock to jazz and indie. The store's inviting atmosphere encourages browsing, with knowledgeable staff ready to assist customers in finding rare gems or popular titles. In addition to vinyl, Record Surplus offers turntables, accessories, and music-related memorabilia, making it a must-visit spot for both collectors and casual listeners alike.

Pros

  • pros Wide selection of new and used vinyl
  • pros knowledgeable and passionate staff
  • pros great atmosphere for music lovers
  • pros frequent live events
  • pros competitive pricing on rare finds.

Cons

  • consLimited selection of new releases
  • cons high prices on rare items
  • cons cramped store layout
  • cons inconsistent staff knowledge
  • cons parking challenges.

8.

Grimey's

less
Grimey's, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is a must-visit destination for vinyl enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Renowned for its extensive selection of new and used vinyl records, Grimey's offers a diverse range of genres, from classic rock to indie and beyond. The store's inviting atmosphere is enhanced by its knowledgeable staff, who are always ready to help customers discover hidden gems. In addition to vinyl, Grimey's features music-related merchandise and hosts live events, making it a vibrant hub for the local music scene and a cherished spot for collectors.

Pros

  • pros Wide selection of new and used vinyl
  • pros knowledgeable and friendly staff
  • pros hosts live music events
  • pros vibrant community atmosphere
  • pros great location in Nashville.

Cons

  • consLimited selection of new releases
  • cons Higher prices compared to online retailers
  • cons Smaller store space
  • cons Parking can be challenging
  • cons Limited hours of operation.

9.

Reckless Records

less
Reckless Records, a staple in the Chicago music scene since 1989, is renowned for its vast selection of new and used vinyl records across various genres. With multiple locations in the city, the store offers an inviting atmosphere for both casual listeners and dedicated collectors. Reckless Records prides itself on its knowledgeable staff, who are passionate about music and eager to help customers discover hidden gems. In addition to vinyl, the store features CDs, cassettes, and music memorabilia, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic record shopping experience.

Pros

  • pros Wide selection of new and used vinyl
  • pros knowledgeable and friendly staff
  • pros vibrant in-store events and performances
  • pros strong community focus
  • pros excellent online shopping experience.

Cons

  • consLimited selection of new releases
  • cons higher prices compared to online retailers
  • cons crowded during peak hours
  • cons inconsistent staff knowledge
  • cons parking challenges in busy areas.

10.

Easy Street Records

less
Easy Street Records, located in Seattle, Washington, is a beloved destination for vinyl enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Renowned for its extensive collection of both new and used records, this iconic store features a diverse range of genres, from rock and jazz to indie and hip-hop. Easy Street also hosts live performances and community events, fostering a vibrant music culture. With knowledgeable staff ready to assist, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for exploring music's rich history and discovering rare finds, making it a top contender in the U.S. vinyl record store scene.

Pros

  • pros Wide selection of new and used vinyl
  • pros knowledgeable and friendly staff
  • pros vibrant in-store events
  • pros strong local music community support
  • pros excellent online ordering options.

Cons

  • consLimited space for browsing
  • cons Higher prices compared to online retailers
  • cons Crowded during peak hours
  • cons Limited selection of new releases
  • cons Staff can be hit or miss

Similar Topic You Might Be Interested In