Edinburgh, UK | Iconic Edinburgh record store ‘Elvis Shakespeare’ for sale after nearly 20 years: One of Edinburgh’s best-loved independent shops has gone up for sale – after nearly 20 years of trading in the city. Elvis Shakespeare, on Leith Walk, shared the surprise news on social media on Tuesday (December 3). The legendary store, which sells rare vinyl, CDs and books, is available for £270,000. In a post on Facebook, owner David Griffin wrote: “Business now for sale for £270,000. Freehold Business plus website. Profitable, 20000 items. Any enquiries please contact David via email or pop into the shop.” Elvis Shakespeare has been open since May 2005. The shop regularly features on lists of the Capital’s best-loved businesses.
Pittsburgh, PA | Inside George’s Song Shop, America’s oldest record store: John George says he has more than a million vinyl records in stock at his record store in downtown Johnstown. But his business, George’s Song Shop, may be best known for a different kind of record. The shop is believed to hold the record as the oldest record store in America. George’s Song Shop was founded in 1932 by John George’s father, Eugene George, and his uncle, Bernie George. John’s Uncle Bernie sold his share of the business to John’s father in 1941. John George, now 82, became the owner of the business at age 19, after his father’s death. While the store has relocated five times, the business has survived The Great Depression, two floods, a fire and the former popularity of compact disks. “If we don’t have it, nobody does,” John George said as a 1950s song by The Cadillacs played from behind the front counter.
CT | FYE to close at least three of its Connecticut stores, staff say. Music, movies, and pop-culture collectibles retailer FYE is getting ready to reduce the number of stores it has in Connecticut, according to staff who spoke this week with Hearst Connecticut Media. Mall-based stores in Waterbury, Danbury and Meriden will be closing after the start of the new year, employees in those stores told Hearst Connecticut Media. The employees, who spoke on the condition that their names not be used out of fear that the company would discipline them, said they haven’t yet been told the exact closing date. Officials at the Brass Mill Center mall in Waterbury, Danbury Fair Mall and Meriden Mall have not responded to requests for comment on when the FYE store closings will take place in those locations.
Rancho Mirage, CA | Vintage Vinyl Records Await at Victoria’s Attic Antiques in Rancho Mirage: From Beatles originals to Streisand classics, this hidden gem in Rancho Mirage is a vinyl lover’s paradise. I spent my teenage days in the 1970s scouring Tower Records, Musicland, The Wherehouse, and an Orange County store named Licorice Pizza for records. In the ‘80s, vinyl was replaced by the compact disc, and finally, iTunes relegated the record store to a thing of the past. Well, no more — vinyl is back — and so is my fascination for that 12-inch black disc with all its clicks and scratches. Looking to rebuild my collection, I stumbled on Victoria’s Attic Antique Mall, an antique store in Rancho Mirage with everything you could ever want to find. But for me, it’s the roughly 12-by-12-foot area in the middle of the store filled with bins of records organized from A to Z with special sections for jazz, classical, and show tunes. There’s even a special bin for Streisand and Manilow.
Anderson, IN | Elusive Disc, Inc. Announces the Grand Opening of a New Vinyl Record and Audiophile Equipment Store in Anderson, Indiana. Elusive Disc, Inc., a family-owned and locally operated audiophile and music retailer established in 1989, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its new storefront in Anderson, Indiana. This 1,320-square-foot space is set to open its doors on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, from 10 AM to 4 PM, at 2439 E 67th St, Anderson, IN 46013. The grand opening is not only a celebration of the local music and audiophile community but also a reflection of the remarkable journey of Elusive Disc, Inc., one of the premier audiophile eCommerce platforms in the United States and internationally. Known for offering an extensive catalog of vinyl records, SACDs, CDs, and premium audio equipment, Elusive Disc has built a global reputation for its commitment to quality and sound excellence.
Chicago, IL | Somebody Else’s Records, A ‘Micro’ Record Shop, Opens Inside Standing Passengers Cafe: The mini record store in the popular West Town coffee shop features vinyl from local DJs and collectors. Options range from jazz to Afrobeat to Chicago house. A “micro” record shop that stocks deep cuts and popular classics from a rotating group of DJs and vinyl collectors is now open inside a popular West Town coffee shop. Somebody Else’s Records features just six crates of records next to the pastry display case at Standing Passengers, 1458 W. Chicago Ave., which has been open since 2016. The collection’s limited size is buoyed by its highly curated offerings, which include everything from Chicago house and jazz to Afrobeat and classic rock. The record shop is the brainchild of Jordan Knecht, a DJ who spins vinyl at bars and clubs all over Chicago, including monthly residencies at Sportsman’s Club in Ukrainian Village and Parachute HiFi in Avondale.
UK | Book and podcast series exploring history of Black music specialist record stores in UK released: The initiative by 2Funky Arts shines a bright light on Black, African and Caribbean experiences. 2Funky Arts has launched a new project to celebrate and document the history of independent record stores that specialised in Black music across England. Following the preview of its upcoming documentary film, the initiative—which was first announced last November—has expanded with a limited-edition hardback book and a four-part podcast series, both designed to explore the significance of these stores in shaping the UK’s music culture. The book, The Record Store & Black Music, England’s Tastemakers, takes a deep dive into the history of Black music-focused record shops, starting from the 1920s through to the rise of Soho’s iconic record stores, their subsequent decline and their revival.
Kansas City, MO | Seminal KC record shop closing after 50 years, owner speaks on career: Jan Fichman, the owner of a classic Kansas City record store, head shop, furniture store and so much more, has been selling records since the 1970s. After graduating from KC’s Center High School in 1970, Fichman originally had other plans; he attended a med-school program at UMKC before spending a summer traveling and selling eight tracks. “One summer, my cousin, who graduated (from) UMKC in three years, calls up and says, he’s in dental school now, and says, ‘Hey, how would you like to make some money?’” Fichman detailed. “I said, ‘Doing what?’ He said, ‘Selling bootleg eight-tracks at state fairs.’ I thought, ‘Well, kind of sounds interesting.’ So we committed, and my dad got my bar mitzvah money and he bought me a van, and then he built these booths that my cousin and I set up. That summer was impactful for Fichman, who ended up deciding, along with his brother who owns the Blue Springs 7th Heaven, that a different career path could be more rewarding.
NJ | Here’s a dozen of the best record stores for vinyl lovers in NJ: Whether you grew up on a young Bruce Springsteen, or are shopping for fellow New Jersey native Halsey’s latest album — vinyl has endured as an ultimate way to collect and listen to music. Current artists often release multiple, special vinyl editions of the same album, ranging in color, cover art and alternate tracks. As holiday shopping kicks into high gear, there’s also Record Store Day, this season on Friday Nov. 29. Not all independent record stores choose to carry all promotions or releases — so check ahead before assuming a particular find will be waiting for you. Even in this digital world, vinyl has kept a steady hold among fans as an enjoyable way to collect and listen to music. Here’s a dozen of the best independent NJ record shops.
