20 Classic Record Stores That Survived the Digital Age

Just because we live in a modern era with everything becoming digital doesn’t mean the classics will fade away. If anything, more people are starting to go back to the classics. Meanwhile, some have always been loyal fans of classical music records. You might want to visit one of these 20 classic record stores that survived the digital age.

1. The Electric Fetus

edkohler on Wikimedia Commons

An old-school record store has been in the same spot in Minneapolis since the 1970s. Walking into this record store is like traveling to the past, as they have kept the spirit of the ’60s and ’70s alive.

2. Discos Paradiso

Discos Paradiso on Google Maps

This record store became the center of Barcelona, Spain’s dance music. If you need any electronic tunes, Discos Paradiso has them ready for you.

3. Flur Discos

Flur Discos on Google Maps

This record store in Lisbon, Portugal, has been around since 2001 and remains well-loved today by locals and even foreign visitors. Flur Discos has everything for your musical needs, from jazz to hip-hop and rap.

4. Hard Wax

Sam on Flickr

Hard Wax has been in Berlin since 1989. Its staff are accommodating and knowledgeable, guiding every interested buyer or even passing tourists. They offer a wide selection of techno vinyl, ensuring you’ll find the perfect music to suit your ears.

5. Dusty Groove

Kyle Akerman on Wikimedia Commons

In Dusty Groove, Chicago, you’ll find high-quality records no matter the genre you want. They offer rare, original documents or secondhand ones, too. Despite the digital age, Dusty Groove is still grooving more than ever.

6. Rockers International Records

Rockers International Records on Wikimedia Commons

Rockers International Records has you covered if you love rock, reggae, Ska, or Rocksteady. They’re the heart and soul of reggae, Jamaican Ska, and Rocksteady.

7. Wax Museum Records

Wax Museum Records on Wikimedia Commons

Located in Melbourne, this record store offers many funky beats. Enjoy a variety of jazz, hip-hop, and soul music records in this 2006 store.

8. Discolombia Barranquilla

Discolombia, Barranquilla on Google Maps

While the photos online may convince you that this record store isn’t thriving, it’s the opposite. Discolombia acts like a treasure cave that brings a variety of music records to its locals. With so many record stores back in Barranquilla, only Discolombia stands today.

9. Waterloo Records

Waterloo Records & Video on Google Maps

Waterloo Records is the best record store in Austin, Texas, for Texan psychedelia. They also offer a variety of musical records, meeting everything a musician or music lover needs.

10. Dub Store Record Mart

Dub Store Records on Google Maps

Besides Jamaica, you’ll find high-quality reggae and dub music records at Dub Store Records in Shinjuku, Tokyo. That’s because this store directly imports music from Jamaica, appreciating reggae music in its full glory. The store began as a mail-order business in 1993 and eventually became a physical store in 1997.

11. Atom Heart

Atom Heart, musique alternative on Google Maps

Atom Heart Records doesn’t choose; it provides all the musical genres your heart may desire. The store has been around since 1999 and is still growing strong today.

12. Can Records, Copenhagen

CAN on Google Maps

CAN Records offers a variety of alternative dance music. Other than that, they also have rare records that you may not find anywhere else today.

13. Amoeba Music

Gary Minnaert on Wikimedia Commons

If you want to get lost in a store surrounded by endless records, Amoeba Music in Los Angeles, CA, is where you can go. This store has been around since 2001 and remains reputable, with hundreds of different vinyl records in stock. In addition to the shopping section, they also have a Jazz room where you can relax and take your sweet time to decide on a record you want to buy.

14. Mabu Vinyl

Mabu Vinyl on Google Maps

Located in Cape Town, South Africa, Mabu Vinyl has stood firm since 2001. This record store can get you any music genre you need while giving you a tour of their movie collections on display. You’ll also find comic books, cassette tapes, shirt merchandise, and other movie tapes in Mabu Vinyl.

15. Rubadub Records

RUBADUB - Glasgow Store on Google Maps

Located in Glasgow, UK, Rubadub Records began its journey in 1992. They’re a tremendous underground music source and can also meet your audio gear needs.

16. Public Possession

Public Possession on Google Maps

Public Possession’s record style has a homey vibe, making it inviting for anyone to visit. It’s located in Munich, Germany, and it offers 12-inch specialist dance records.

17. Real Groovy

Real Groovy on Google Maps

Real Groovy has been around since 1981 and is still standing strong today. Not only is their store capable of impressing you right away, but they also have some fun stories to share. For example, it’s said that Kurt Cobain, the legendary musician, was one of their customers before.

18. Side One

Side One on Google Maps

If you’re looking for community vibes, Side One can fulfill that. Located in Warsaw, Poland, it has become the central meeting point for music lovers, artists, and collectors. 

19. Princeton Record Exchange

Matrymx on Wikimedia Commons

Do you want to feel like Alice in Wonderland, who fell into a rabbit hole? Princeton Record Exchange, or “PREX” in the U.S., can give you that experience with its various music records. The store has been around since the 1970s, making it one of the most successful record stores in New Jersey.

20. Snickars Records

Snickars Records on Google Maps

This record store in Stockholm, Sweden, is a treasure trove of dance musical stripes, offering a variety of disco and techno music. Its location is like a hidden gem that will surprise you with its stock. They’ve been around for 20 years and are most likely going stronger despite the digital age.

• Tags:
• Vinyl
• music
• Records
• classic
• Collection