Despite the deluge of streaming options, physical media is alive and well. A new generation of collectors revel in the tactile pleasure of flipping through crates of vinyl.
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Trolley Stop Record Shop
The more things change, the more they stay the same at this one-of-a-kind hillbilly music store. Founded by Grand Ole Opry star Ernest Tubb in 1947, this unique shop is a treasure trove of classic country, bluegrass and hillbilly CDs and DVDs, books and memorabilia.
Crates of vinyl beckon customers through green door frames at this spacious crates-filled store, which also hosts live performances from local musicians on its stage in the refurbished Penn Theater in the Classen Ten Penn neighborhood. The laidback owner, John Dunning, is a wealth of vintage music recommendations.
This sunlit shop in the Velvet Monkey Salon in the Plaza District has the discerning tastes covered with both new releases and estate sale gold. It even presses its own vinyl by Oklahoma artists and has a second location in Norman.
Monkey Feet Records
While the music industry has moved on from 8 tracks to cassette tapes and CD’s, vinyl records continue to captivate a certain type of music lover. There is something to be said for the physical experience of flipping through crates of music and finding that rare gem among your favorites.
Tucked inside a law office building on Britton Road, Monkey Feet Records has an air of passion and personal connection. The tucked-away store has green door frames that open into swaths of crates stacked with vintage rock, country, jazz and other genres. Owner Ronnie Jay Wheeler occasionally performs with his roots band in the store, adding to the shop’s personality.
Give them the gift of choice with a Giftly Gift Card. They can redeem online or in-store and choose the value themselves.
Guestroom Records
The tucked-away Guestroom Records on Britton Road is a treasure trove for vinyl record collectors. Inside the green door frames, swaths of crates are lined with a variety of albums from rock to country and blues.
Owners Justin Sowers and Travis Searle envisioned the store as more than a place to sell music. They stocked it with their own collections, painting all the walls blue and relying on friends to build racks and a back room where they’d sleep.
The store also presses vinyl and hosts live performances by local artists like John Moreland. In fact, it’s a central meeting spot for musicians of all kinds. The store’s windows are papered with flyers and posters for acts from The Flaming Lips to Starlight Mints.
3 Dachshunds Records
Despite its unassuming suburban location, 3 Dachshunds has plenty to offer for the crate diggers among us. This Edmond establishment—a satellite of Norman’s Guestroom Records—has rows of sunlit vinyl stocked with the latest new releases and plenty of used hauls to sift through. In addition to specializing in Oklahoma-based musicians, the store also presses and sells its own vinyl. In celebration of National Vinyl Record Day, they’re hosting a local live show. Bring your dancing shoes.
Bad Granny’s Bazaar
Located in the Plaza District, Bad Granny’s Bazaar is a unique store full of curious collectibles and treasures. This bazaar has everything from kids’ handmade clothing to retro Western wear, antique furniture, knick knacks, tons of records, amazing art and much more. Bad Granny’s also hosts live bands and open mic nights in its backroom.
Just a few steps away from Bad Granny’s Bazaar is Dig It Boutique. The creative explosion of genius at both these stores exemplify the importance of supporting local business. Unlike larger thrift and consignment stores, these two places take the resale shopping experience to an entirely different level. From eyeball earrings to tye-dyed prom gowns, these stores will have you feeling like a spunky individual. All items are used, recycled and upcycled to create a one-of-a-kind style that’s sure to stun.