Vinyl records have experienced a boom in popularity in recent years, with artists old and new returning to the traditional format. There’s nothing like listening to vinyl records. Fans agree. Rising popularity has helped retailers thrive, but what actually makes a great record store?
1. Good layout
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 2 record store](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/record-shop.jpg)
This is a common concern for many record store shoppers. Great shops carefully consider their layout. There should be sufficient aisle space and viewing space.
2. Knowledgeable staff
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 3 high fidelity](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/High-Fidelity.jpg)
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 3 high fidelity](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/High-Fidelity.jpg)
While you shouldn’t expect your staff to be experts in every music genre, it can be helpful to be able to direct them to relevant sections of the store.
3. Respect
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 4 respect](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/respect.jpg)
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 4 respect](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/respect.jpg)
This doesn’t seem like a good sales technique, but some store owners like to make derogatory comments about customers’ purchases. I can testify that it happened because it happened to me. Be respectful and don’t treat buyers like idiots.
4. Community Participation
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 5 community engagement](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/community-engagement.jpg)
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 5 community engagement](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/community-engagement.jpg)
Some local record stores host listening parties and allow local bands to come and perform. In an age of online commerce, all retailers should aim to be part of a community, and record stores are no exception.
5. “Holy Grail” section
![Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/299AA46D-B37E-4219-81EE-662348A61286.jpeg)
![Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/299AA46D-B37E-4219-81EE-662348A61286.jpeg)
It’s always nice to see something rare, even if some of the most popular releases are out of your budget. This is a “holy grail” selection and a great description. They like to see these true rarities displayed on the walls of their stores.
6. Affordable and consistent price
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 7 record store prices](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Record-store-prices.jpg)
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 7 record store prices](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Record-store-prices.jpg)
A recurring complaint against some record stores is excessive pricing. This can be a problem in the industry, as many vinyl releases are listed as premium products. Some record collectors say prices should be fair and consistent for new and used records.
7. Variety of products
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 8 Choosing a record store](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/record-store-selection.jpg)
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 8 Choosing a record store](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/record-store-selection.jpg)
Some record stores limit themselves to one or two genres. So while it may attract die-hard metal fans and fans of punk and indie music, it will be closed off to many potential customers.
8. Separate “Used” section
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 9 used records](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/used-records.jpg)
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 9 used records](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/used-records.jpg)
Record buyers want their used records to be stored somewhere else. Although this seems logical, not all shops follow this mandatory requirement.
9. Try before you buy
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record shop 10 listen to records](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/listening-to-records.jpg)
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record shop 10 listen to records](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/listening-to-records.jpg)
Listening booths may be a thing of the past, but store owners can still pick up a record, play the first few songs, and make a sale.
10. Listening experience
![woman listening to podcast](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/listening-to-podcast.jpg)
![woman listening to podcast](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/listening-to-podcast.jpg)
You’re in a record store, so why does the store have to operate in silence? Although some people find that incidental music distracts them from looking for purchases, most forum posters welcome background music to the shopping experience.
11. Uncategorized bin
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 12 sorting box](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sorting-bins.jpg)
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 12 sorting box](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sorting-bins.jpg)
Some shoppers want to have all new releases lined up at the record store as soon as they arrive. However, some people want to be the first to check out new inventory. As long as the records are priced and graded, unsorted boxes can help buyers find up-to-date inventory.
12. Don’t crowd
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 13 crowded store](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/crowded-store.jpg)
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 13 crowded store](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/crowded-store.jpg)
Have you ever been to a store where the racks are so packed that you can’t browse them efficiently? This is a weird sales approach that makes no sense at all. Not only will shoppers have a hard time finding what they’re looking for, but items may be damaged.
13. Clean and welcoming atmosphere
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 14 pretty store](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/clean-store.jpg)
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 14 pretty store](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/clean-store.jpg)
This means that even with a full grunge section, you won’t be able to complete the look with a filthy, untidy shop. In general, this should be the goal of any retail store.
14. Good lighting
![person who turns on a light bulb](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/putting-in-a-lightbulb.jpg)
![person who turns on a light bulb](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/putting-in-a-lightbulb.jpg)
This may seem like a strange proposition, but good lighting can be a huge benefit to consumers. If the record store is dimly lit, are they trying to hide something while inspecting the records for scratches and marks?
15. Various formats
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 16 record store sign](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/record-store-sign.jpg)
![Vinyl storage: 15 clues to a good record store 16 record store sign](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/record-store-sign.jpg)
Record buyers may not be interested in CDs, but some may want to browse all formats. One commenter even suggested that some stores might not stock the 45, but it’s clear that collectors and music lovers want as many options as possible.