Vinyl records have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, with many artists, old and new, reverting to a traditional format. There is nothing quite like listening to a vinyl record, and the fans agree! The boost in popularity has also helped retailers to thrive, but what actually makes a great record shop?
1. Good Layout
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 2 record shop](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/record-shop.jpg)
This is a common concern for a lot of record store shoppers. The best shops consider their layout carefully. There should be plenty of room in the aisles and space to browse.
2. Knowledgeable Staff
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 3 High Fidelity](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/High-Fidelity.jpg)
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 3 High Fidelity](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/High-Fidelity.jpg)
While we shouldn’t expect members of staff to be experts in every musical genre, it would help if they could direct us to relevant sections within the shop.
3. Respect
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 4 respect](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/respect.jpg)
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 4 respect](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/respect.jpg)
It doesn’t sound like great sales practice, but some shop owners like to make derogatory comments about a buyer’s purchases. It’s happened to me, so I can testify that it takes place. Be respectful and don’t treat buyers like idiots.
4. Community Engagement
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 5 community engagement](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/community-engagement.jpg)
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 5 community engagement](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/community-engagement.jpg)
Some local record shops host listening parties and allow local bands to come and play. In an age where online commerce is taking over, all retail outlets should aim to become a part of the community, and record stores are no different.
5. A ‘Holy Grail’ Section
It’s always great to look at the scarce stuff, even if some of the most sought-after releases may be outside of our budgets. This is a ‘Holy Grail’ selection, which is an excellent description. They like to see these true rarities displayed on the shop walls.
6. Good, Consistent Prices
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 7 Record store prices](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Record-store-prices.jpg)
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 7 Record store prices](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Record-store-prices.jpg)
A regular complaint about some record shops is the excessive pricing structure. This may be a problem in the industry, with many vinyl releases being listed as premium products. Pricing should be fair and consistent for new and used records, according to some record collectors.
7. A Diverse Selection
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 8 record store selection](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/record-store-selection.jpg)
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 8 record store selection](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/record-store-selection.jpg)
Some record shops restrict themselves to one or two genres. So they may attract dedicated metal fans or those seeking punk and indie releases, but they will be closed off to many potential customers.
8. A Separate ‘Used’ Section
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 9 used records](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/used-records.jpg)
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 9 used records](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/used-records.jpg)
Record buyers would like to see used records kept in a separate area. This would seem logical, but not all shops follow this essential requirement.
9. Try Before You Buy
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 10 listening to records](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/listening-to-records.jpg)
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 10 listening to records](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/listening-to-records.jpg)
Listening booths may be a thing of the past, but shop owners could land a sale if they take the record and spin the first few tracks.
10. A Listening Experience
You’re in a record shop, so why should the store run in silence? While some feel that incidental music may distract them from concentrating on finding a purchase, most forum contributors would welcome some background tunes to accompany their shopping experience.
11. Unsorted Bins
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 12 sorting bins](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sorting-bins.jpg)
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 12 sorting bins](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sorting-bins.jpg)
Some shoppers would like their record shop to have everything sorted as soon as new arrivals reach the store. However, some want to be the first to check out new stock. As long as the records have been priced and graded, an unsorted bin helps buyers find the latest stock.
12. Don’t Overcrowd
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 13 crowded store](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/crowded-store.jpg)
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 13 crowded store](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/crowded-store.jpg)
Have you ever been to a store where the records are packed so tightly in the racks that you can’t browse effectively? It’s a strange approach to sales that makes no real sense. Not only do shoppers struggle to see what they’re searching for, it could damage the merchandise.
13. Clean and Welcoming
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 14 clean store](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/clean-store.jpg)
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 14 clean store](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/clean-store.jpg)
So you have an extensive grunge section but don’t complete the look by having a filthy, untidy shop. Generally, this should be the aim of any retail premises.
14. Good Lighting
This may seem like a strange suggestion, but good lighting can be a real bonus for the consumer. If a record shop is dimly lit, are they trying to hide something when you inspect the records for scratches and marks?
15. A Range of Formats
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 16 record store sign](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/record-store-sign.jpg)
![The Vinyl Vault: 15 Clues That Point To An Outstanding Record Shop 16 record store sign](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/record-store-sign.jpg)
Vinyl purchasers may be alien to CDs, but some want to browse all formats. One commenter even suggested that some stores don’t stock 45s, but it’s clear that collectors and music lovers want as much choice as possible.