Collecting and listening to vinyl records is a classic tradition turned modern trend that really made a comeback the past few years.
Record stores are more than just commercial spaces; they're cultural destination to mingle with fellow music obsessives, treasure chests of rare and vintage goodies, and venues to discover new music.
Philadelphia is a city full of lively culture known for its music, so finding a great record store around town could not be easier. That said, we have collected a list of record stores in Philadelphia to visit we're sure will carry your must-haves, collectibles and favorites. Happy create digging!
See also: 6 Fun Winter Activities in Philadelphia
View this post on Instagram
506 South St. / Website
Located on South Street, Repo Records sells every kind of genre on vinyl and CD, while also playing host to meet and greets with artists and bands in the store who have upcoming music releases. This record shop also buys records, so you can bring your own vinyl to trade or sell, making room in your collection for more exciting sounds.
View this post on Instagram
1524 Frankford Ave. / Website
Located in Fishtown, this record store has been open for 36 years and sells some of the most unique and indie records on wax. The used rock section is prime territory for crate digging, and the latest records are also available, but they do go quickly. This record shop also buys records, so bring in your best hits and see what they're worth.
View this post on Instagram
1517 N Bailey St. / Website
Located in Brewerytown, this record store sells vinyls and cassettes of every genre with special attention paid to funk, soul and hip-hop. When you visit the store, say hello to owner Maxwell Ochester and ask him anything about the store and music in general. The store also hosts a session called “Current Moods” where people choose underplayed songs to share with shoppers. Brewerytown Beats is indeed a spot for the whole community.
See also: 6 Great Spots for Live Music in Philadelphia
View this post on Instagram
400 E Girard Ave. / Website
Located in Fishtown, Milkcrate Cafe is half-coffee shop and half-record store, decorated with vinyl on the walls. Come here for new and old rock, soul and jazz albums, as well as new and used turntables and speakers, so you cn be a disc jockey the old fashioned way. You can sell your records or equipment to the cafe, but they have to be rare finds that are worth something, leaving out contemporary options.
View this post on Instagram
1619 E Passyunk Ave. / Website
Located in East Passyunk, this record store sells records from every genre, such as rock, jazz, soul, classical, punk and more. You can sift through the collection in store or online, and you can sell your records to the store, too. If you are lucky, you might spot the shop's puppy pal! Just make sure you come Wednesday through Sunday, as the shop is closed Monday and Tuesday.
View this post on Instagram
2243 S Lambert St. / Website
Located in South Philadelphia, this record shop sells every genre of vinyl with an emphasis on classic wax more than modern releases. You can sell your records here, but they prefer punk, metal, rock, jazz and soul albums more than pop or hip-hop. Other than records, the store sells and buys CDs, magazines, cassettes and concert merchandise.
Photography by: Mick Haupt / Unsplash
