Taylor Swift and Record Store Day see highest weekly vinyl sales in 30 years: Last year marked the 16th consecutive year of growth for the format. Vinyl sales recently enjoyed their highest weekly total sales in three decades, thanks to Record Store Day and Taylor Swift. The report was shared by digital entertainment and retail association ERA, which confirmed that one week last month saw the sales of vinyl records reach a new high in recent years. It was the week that Record Store Day (April 20) took place that the figures marked the highest in 30 years, as countless music lovers flocked to both physical and online stores to purchase physical copies of their favourite releases. As well as seeing lots of exclusive releases from musicians, Record Store Day also happened to take place one day after pop icon Taylor Swift shared her latest album ‘The Tortured Poets Department’, which immediately topped the charts, took over social media and shifted over 2.6million copies in the US alone. Thanks to both, data from the Official Charts Company has shown that the week saw 269,134 vinyl albums and 37,656 vinyl singles sold—making for a total of 306,791 units.
Chicago, IL | Let’s Boogie Record & Tapes: Local record store celebrates the future of physical media: Customers rifle through records and cassettes of their favorite artists in Let’s Boogie Record & Tapes as the morning sun streams through the store windows. Behind the counter, co-owner Jason Keller keeps track of the day’s sales while greeting new patrons. His brother-in-law and co-owner, Phil Lesnik, organizes albums around the shop. The small record store in the Bridgeport neighborhood buzzed with activity Saturday, April 20, as customers and employees celebrated Record Store Day. Started in 2008, Record Store Day is a globally observed celebration of independent music stores that takes place each year. The goal of the holiday is to celebrate these small businesses’ role within the communities they serve while also emphasizing the importance of physical media. In an age when music is available at the tap of a finger, many still opt to support their local record shop.
UK | Our Price share more details of their plan to relaunch iconic music store: “We want [customers] to grow with us and see this progress – feel part of it – influence it” Our Price have shared more details about their plans to relaunch the iconic UK music store and plans to grow the business in 2024. The classic music store was a popular chain of record stores across the UK and Ireland, which launched in the 1971 and became a famous presence on high streets across the country up until the early ‘00s. Despite once having over 300 branches on UK high streets and being named the second-largest retailer of records and tapes in the ‘80s, the company saw a gradual decline over the early ‘00s and was ultimately forced to close its doors in 2004. Now, 20 years on, the brand announced that it would be relaunching today (April 30) with an online store containing 20,000 vinyl, merchandise and a range of hi-fi and audio equipment. To celebrate the launch, Our Price have shared more details about their plans to return, as well as what music lovers can expect to see in the coming months.
Gainesville, FL | After 30 years in business, Hear Again Records owner says the shop is here to stay: There is a music store in downtown Gainesville that’s so old, it saw vinyl make a comeback. In the years it’s been open, Hear Again Records, located on 201 SE First St., has survived two locations, two owners and a pandemic. Now, the store has a milestone to celebrate: its 30th anniversary. The store opened in 1994, first owned by Perry Johnson. Andrew Schaer started working there in 1995 and became the owner in 2006; he’s kept it ever since. “When I started working,” Schaer said, “CD was king.” The store originally sold CDs and DVDs, only switching its main inventory to vinyl when it moved to its current location in 2009. As Schaer explained, sales decreased as the burning of discs became more common. While this was happening, vinyl started to make its comeback. “It was a decision I was happy to forcibly make,” Schaer said of the switch.
Oslo, NO | Don’t Worry: The Black Metal Graffiti In Neseblod Records’ Basement Is Okay After The Fire: And only some priceless gems were lost. So that’s good-ish. Neseblod Records – formerly the Helvete record store – recently suffered a fire in their basement, though store owners have since confirmed they’re back open. Now Neseblod Records has taken to Instagram to let everyone know that the “black metal” graffiti is in good condition, and that they only lost a few priceless gems in the blaze. “To all of you who got involved after we were hit by fire: The fire started in the shop on the lower floor. Most of the goods and memorabilia that were lost are related to punk, rock, heavy and various alternative music and unfortunately some really priceless gems. “To our great relief the flames didn’t spread to the first floor where we store the most important of historical black metal. This means we can continue the Neseblod records-concept, where we show historical music material that everyone can come and see and experience.
Winnipeg, CA | The Record Store: You’ll Never Guess This Store’s Highest-Selling Album: Today, we’re profiling Argy’s Records & Entertainment Shop in Winnipeg. It’s -17C in Winnipeg and a brisk north wind makes it feel considerably more frigid. But on the inside of Argy’s Records & Entertainment Shop, owner Ray Giguere has a warm welcome for each and every one of the folks who’ve braved the elements to visit his store, located in a strip mall in the far south end of town. In fact, a fellow named Fabio has traveled all the way from São Paulo, Brazil. Okay, he’s actually in town visiting his daughter who is going to school in Winnipeg, but still — he has bundled up to hunt for vinyl and is plucking one gem after another from Ray’s racks of records. His final purchase includes selections from Al Green, Madonna, Amy Winehouse — and the one that brings the biggest smile to his face, Earth, Wind & Fire’s Greatest Hits. Ray chats with Fabio about his visit to Canada, snaps a photo for an Instagram post, assists him to his car across the slippery parking lot and bids him a friendly goodbye.
Oxnard, CA | Fidelity Record Pressing Hosting Open House At New Oxnard Facility: To celebrate its recent opening, Fidelity Record Pressing is inviting the members of the music industry to an open house on May 17 that will give attendees a tour of the facility as well as a glimpse of how records are made. Following a two-year process of being built from the ground up, Fidelity Record Pressing opened in January as the pressing plant for Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs in Oxnard, California, and is accepting vinyl orders from outside clients. The 28,000-square-foot facility is the first of its kind to be built from the ground up in California in 40 years. The open house on May 17 is by invitation only, and those who work in the industry can RSVP by contacting Todd Curtis via email at toddc@fidelityrecordpressing.com. Those attending the event will not only be able to tour the building but also be treated to craft beer and tacos. With its state-of-the-art machinery, Fidelity Record Pressing is capable of pressing up to 10,000 records daily with the finest sound and craftsmanship.
Austin, TX | Hybrid record shop and salon dolls up fabulous new East Austin home: A charming Austin salon known for mixing music and beauty is bringing a fresh look to its new location. Vinyl Beauty Bar has relocated to a bigger and better venue at 2400 E. Cesar Chavez St. This small move kept it in the beloved East Austin neighborhood that perfectly encapsulates the eclectic vibe of the salon, and it’s throwing a grand opening bash to celebrate. On May 3rd, the public can get a feel of the new space with live music, cocktails, a complementary pop-up nail bar, massages, and glam services. The grand opening event will feature live performances from Pussy Gillette, Rod Gator, and Jake Garcia of The Black Angels (also known as DJ Satisfaction). But the event is not just about celebration; It’s about giving back, with proceeds from the tickets benefiting the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM). The non-profit organization provides health care access to low-income, working musicians in Austin — a cause that Vinyl founders and co-owners Michael and Tinita Harpel are very passionate about.
San Antonio, TX | San Antonio’s Vice Versa Coffee & Vinyl closes doors amidst operational struggles in St. Paul Square: The final notes have been played at St. Paul Square’s hotspot Vice Versa Coffee Shop & Vinyl Records, with the San Antonio establishment shuttering its doors after a bout with operational and financial challenges. According to the San Antonio Report, the combined coffee shop and music venue, known for its underground jazz club Versa and vinyl record sales, faced its first major setback last year when an air conditioning failure coincided with some of the hottest summer temperatures on record, forcing a closure that lasted 45 days. Despite efforts to build a solid client base, owner Vinny Guerrero struggled with an $8,000 monthly rent burden and ongoing AC issues leading to the venue’s recent permanent closure on March 31. Guerrero admitted to the San Antonio Report that filling the space was a challenge, as tenants were responsible for the AC unit’s repairs in the building, as well as drawing foot traffic to the area…
