Top 10 Best Record Stores Worldwide: Voted by Global Music Lovers

In this constantly evolving digital age and plenty of online music streaming platforms, the charm of physical records is fading rapidly. However, the culture of buying music as hard or physical copy is still ongoing and that is why fans and many other music lovers like to buy and collect vinyl records of their favorite music artists. Starting from DJs to collectors and admirers, physical records are still being sold in the market since there is a really good demand for them.

Music lovers from around the world are still more likely to collect CDs, vinyl records, and other physical elements that offer them the feeling of an asset which does not always come with purchasing music online. Music enthusiasts are still digging for the tactile experience of browsing through stacks of vinyl records and that is why, there is a huge demand in the market for Music Record Stores. These record stores are not just retail shops for music but also have become cultural hubs for many enthusiasts. Music is the most tangible form of art and record stores are galleries for such artwork.

Which is the Best Record Store for music?

A record store can offer you the best collection of music records that spans from the classic era to this modern age. Whether it is the range of collection, ambiance, guidance by the store owners, or just the vibe of it; music lovers enjoy these record stores for many reasons and it is quite difficult to call a record store the best among all the others. Let’s find the top 10 record stores around the world that music lovers voted for due to their high-quality music, diverse range, store atmosphere, and friendliness of the staff.  Music aficionados can find these record stores spread all across the world.

Top 10 Record Stores

    • Rough Trade East (UK)

Geo-location – This record store is situated in the capital city of London in the United Kingdom.

Specialty of Store – This store can offer you a huge collection of CDs, books, Vinyl, and books live music events for music lovers. It also offers more exposure to new artists.

Reasons to Standout – There are many reasons for Rough Trade East to stand out as it is not just a retail store but also a cultural institution where music lovers with all kinds of tastes can find something for themselves. Starting from jazz, blues, and rock to indie music; the store offers a vast selection of vinyl, CDs, and other elements to embrace music. The store hosts live performances which offers a chance to enjoy live gigs for the customers while shedding more light on the rising artists.

    • Amoeba Music (USA)

Geo-location – This globally revered record store is situated in Los Angeles USA.

Specialty of Store – This store is a favorite of the collectors as they can offer music memorabilia and antiques. They also provide new and old vinyl and CDs as well as used ones to provide more good trades for music enthusiasts.

Reasons to Standout – Amoeba Music is well renowned for empowering the community of music aficionados with a huge and dynamic collection of music assets along with knowledgeable staff to guide you. It is a huge store that comes with an extensive library of music, making it the perfect spot for casual listeners as well as fans and collectors.

    • Recycled Records (USA)

Geo-location – Hailing from San Diego, Recycle Records is highly popular all over the USA.

Specialty of Store – They have the best collection of rare CDs and used vinyl.

Reasons to Standout – This record store is like a treasure trove for music lovers with all kinds of tastes. The ardent fans who are looking forward to purchasing out-of-print records and very rare items can find it here as it is more of a museum now. The staff here are friendly and ardent music lovers just like you. The store also hosts community events which makes it the best institution for music.

    • Sound Records (CANADA)

Geo-location – Sound Records is situated in Vancouver Canada but gained global popularity.

Specialty of Store – The store offers a massive collection of music-related books with CDs and vinyl.

Reasons to Standout – Sound Records offers a very cozy and welcoming atmosphere along with knowledgeable staff who are friendly enough to help you find what you are looking for. The store is comprised of a huge curated collection of vinyl records and CDs for popular music across various genres and sub-genres. This store has greatly empowered Vancouver's music community.

    • El Acetato (SPAIN)

Geo-location – El Acetato is hailing from Madrid in Spain.

Specialty of Store – This store provides a strong emphasis on CDs, Vinyl, and DJ Equipment.

Reasons to Standout – Although they a have collection for all kinds of music, it is especially a haven for electronic music lovers with their extensive collections, mixtapes, and DJ sets. Global electronic music enthusiasts can find DJ equipment and a wide collection of vinyl here which is mainly based on subgenres like techno, EDM, jungle, dubstep, and so on. The vibrant atmosphere of the store is a reflection of Madrid's music scene.

    • Disquaire Day (FRANCE)

Geo-location – This luxurious record store is situated in Paris France.

Specialty of Store – The store offers a wide range of music memorabilia based on popular celebrities.

Reasons to Standout – Disquaire Day depicts the music culture in Paris which includes almost all kinds of music other than just French. It comes with a diversified selection of music and the store also hosts regular events. More than just a retail store, it has become a cultural hub for all kinds of music lovers.

    • Jet Set Records (JAPAN)

Geo-location – Jet Set Records is situated in the capital of Japan and that is Tokyo city.

Specialty of Store – While most record stores try to curate global music, this store offers a hefty emphasis on Japanese music to embrace their national musical flavors along with international music. Therefore, one can find both English records and classic Japanese records that are rare.

Reasons to Standout – Jet Set Records is considered to be the epitome of the fans of Japanese music. It showcases how Japanese music has also become a part of the global industry. The shop consists of an extremely rare collection of music including out-of-print records. The store is filled with musical gems and it is a must-visit for everyone who is into music.

    • Music & Video Exchange (UK)

Geo-location – This is another renowned record store from London in the United Kingdom.

Specialty of Store – Buyers can easily find an extensive collection of CDs, vinyl, and DVDs that are used and affordable. However, the curated collection is highly worthy for all kinds of fans.

Reasons to Standout – This record store is highly revered in the industry for offering users a vast selection of used records. The staff here are very friendly and they help the buyers find the good staff. The store has become a favorite among London's music community.

    • Vinyl Revival (AUS)

Geo-location – This fine record store is situated in Melbourne Australia.

Specialty of Store – Other than just CDs and Vinyl collection, you can also find a huge range of music-related merchandise which also attracts fans and collectors.

Reasons to Standout – Just like its name suggests, Vinyl Revival is reviving vinyl records for fans and all kinds of music lovers in Melbourne. The store has a huge collection of music and other than that, it also arranges regular events for the music artists, offering a vibrant space for the community of music enthusiasts. It embraces the city's music scene with a reflection of the Aussie music industry.

    • Crocodile Records (USA)

Geo-location – This record store in America is situated in San Rafael.

Specialty of Store – The store offers an exquisite collection of music memorabilia along with CDs, Vinyl, and much other stuff.

Reasons to Standout – Crocodile Records is one of the most loved record stores in the USA which received much love and support from the people of San Rafael. The store is comprised of a huge collection of music along with a friendly workforce which makes it the perfect hub for local music enthusiasts.

Are Records Stores still relevant to this date?

Record Stores have played a crucial part in nurturing the music industry and artists. The stores have embraced the music ecosystem in the daily lives of music lovers and made the bond stronger between the artists and the listeners. It also helped music lovers find new music artists which resulted in the expansion of the music industry. Due to their huge importance in the music market; these record stores are still thriving in the modern digital age of music streaming.

Cultural Impacts of Record Stores

    • Building Communities – The record stores often host events and listening parties which help to build loyal and active music communities.

    • Preservation of Music History - There are many record stores that specialize in restoring old music or curating out-of-print records which is highly important for the preservation of music history and its evolution through all these years.

    • Supporting Local Artists – Independent record stores often help in the growth the emerging artists who do not have a lot of money to promote themselves. It offers them a platform to showcase their musical talents.

Evidently, record stores are the best musical institutions in the market that provide a safe space for community, discovery, and celebration of music regardless of genre and region. Visit your nearest record store to feed your passion for music.