Whether you’re a vinyl collector or a casual listener, a record store is a great place to find new music. These shops also sell CDs, DVDs and other memorabilia.
Opening a record shop requires an investment in inventory. It also needs equipment like a cash register, bins to hold records and appropriate lighting. Then, there are expenses for exterior signage and advertising.
Trolley Stop Records
Record stores aren’t for everyone, but if you’re a fan of old-school music and vinyl crate diving, you won’t want to miss this shop in the heart of Oklahoma City. Located in the former Penn Theater in the Classen Ten Penn neighborhood, Trolley Stop offers an extensive selection of LPs, 78s and 45s, plus posters and music memorabilia.
When Trolley Stop owner John Dunning moved from his Classen Boulevard storefront to the refurbished Penn Theater, he envisioned it as a meeting place for the entire community. He built a large wood stage and green room against the east wall, which is used for live music shows.
Dunning says he gets at least a few calls each day from people looking for a specific album or musician. He expects them to call him about buying records, selling records and fixing a record player, but the biggest question he’s been getting since November has been about his next door neighbor, Factory Obscura art collective’s immersive Shift installation.
Guestroom Records
Despite the shift to digital downloads and streaming, the vinyl record remains a cultural staple. It’s a tactile experience to hold a new release, the sound is more memorable and it has a storied history of influencing music culture.
While not the cheapest record store in town, Guestroom has a stock that’s sure to satisfy music lovers of all stripes. The company has two stores in Norman and one in Oklahoma City, as well as a third in Louisville, Kentucky.
They’re a thriving mom and pop shop, with a wide selection of LPs and CDs. They also buy used records if you’re looking to get rid of some of your old stuff. They also sell t-shirts, turn tables and other collectibles. They even have a line of paintings by Steve Keene depicting popular album covers. They also host a record-themed concert and a Norman Music Festival stage in their front porch.
The Sound Garden
Soundgarden is a legendary band, and Chris Cornell’s rafter shaking rock voice has left an indelible mark on American music history. During the band’s heyday, they helped to popularize grunge music.
While their debut album Ultramega OK was a strange one, it’s still worth checking out for fans of the early grunge scene. Its cobbled-together songs aren’t particularly original, but they show the band developing their sound and putting in whatever they wanted.
They also include a few short interludes that aren’t as effective, such as the punk-oriented “Circle of Power.”
Despite these flaws, it is still a good album and deserves more attention than it gets. It has a lot of variety, and Chris Cornell’s voice is still as powerful as it ever was.
Gardner’s Bookstore
Located in the heart of Midtown, Gardner’s Bookstore is the place to find a curated collection of books, music, visual media and more. They have an impressive selection of rare and collectibles, a sizable non-fiction section, and an enviable wine list to boot. Their staff is well trained to recommend the best reads for your specific tastes. They also offer a no-hassle return policy, so you can go home happy.
The store has been in business since 1990, and they have a lot to brag about when it comes to the number of square feet in their warehouse. This isn’t a small feat, especially when you’re comparing it to other larger competitors in the same market. Having a few hundred employees on hand means the store is constantly moving around, which in turn leads to better customer service and more interesting inventory. As a result, they’re the perfect harbinger for anyone looking to spruce up their home library.