Pictures of Sydney Livingston
In a modern world where streaming has taken over the music scene, these record stores give a taste of the golden age of listening.
Most music lovers in 2022 choose to listen to their favorite songs with a streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music. However, there is something to be said for listening to your favorite albums on vinyl. In an age obsessed with nostalgia, it’s safe to say that vinyl records aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Spotify playlists are great, but there’s something special about browsing bins full of records and discovering new music through conversations with store staff. For music enthusiasts who enjoy listening to records, Delaware offers a great selection of record stores across the state.
These Delaware boutiques carry on the tradition by offering everything from classics to modern pop and new metal.
Wonderland Discs
A quaint little store tucked away at the end of Newark’s Main Street, this record store has been a community staple since 1972. Delaware’s oldest record store is packed with titles, organized alphabetically with no separation of genres. With over 12,500 tracks in the store, as well as a full-service recording studio and smoking room, the space seems a little chaotic at first glance.
“That’s the thing with record stores. Vouchers are always a bit chaotic,” says shop owner Demitri. A likeable and knowledgeable man, Demitri has embellished many of his passions throughout the store. The decor is made up of pieces from local artists as well as repurposed vinyl records that Demitri has turned into hanging decorations. Even the floor tiles are embellished with discs.
At Wonderland Records in Newark, owner Demitri leaves damaged records in the window, allowing the sun to warp them. He uses the warped discs to create hanging decor, which he uses both in the store and sells.
“I don’t want it to end up in a landfill where it will stay for thousands of years,” Demitri explains, pointing to the warped discs hanging from the ceiling. “I sell about two a week.”
Wonderland
110 Main Street West | 738-6856
International Groove Records
The newcomer from Newark focuses on music from around the world. Its goal is to be an inclusive space for sharing music and discovering new artists. With a buy-sell-trade business model, its inventory is constantly changing, and you’ll likely find something new every time you enter.
International Groove Records
280 Main Street East, Newark | 688-4500
Rainbow Discs
Another Newark favorite is led by Melissa Forsythe, an active member of the Delaware music scene. The store is well organized and well stocked with lots of contemporary music. The company also focuses on showcasing the local music scene and community. The music selection here is diverse and covers a wide range of genres and decades. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find some favorite titles on these shelves.
Rainbow Discs
Rainbow Discs
218 East Main Street, Newark | 368-7738
Goodboy Vinyl
Goodboy Vinyl buys, sells and trades not only vinyl records, but also CDs, cassettes and more. With a huge variety of music, a charming store concept, and an ever-rotating inventory, this is one of the many must-visit record stores in the First State.
Goodboy Vinyl
2604 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington | 384-6460
SqueezeBox Recordings
SqueezeBox was founded in 2017 and quickly became a community favorite in Wilmington. In addition to records and CDs, SqueezeBox offers a great selection of touring apparel and exclusive merchandise. This store has even partnered with Wilmington Brew Works to collaborate on a Beer, aptly named “Deep Grooves”. The store is known for always having the freshest records in stock, and it’s extremely active on social media updating followers on the latest inventory.
SqueezeBox Recordings
1901 West 11th Street, Wilmington | 510-9429
Extended game
Extended Play serves Rehoboth Beach and other coastal towns in Delaware. The Coastal Delaware Record Store offers a selection of new and used records, cassettes, CDs and more. He updates his social media accounts with all new stock releases on Fridays. This record store is a great stopover while you’re on the go in Rehoboth.
Extended game
149 Rehoboth Ave, 8B, Rehoboth | 226-8469
The vintage metro
Although this lovely vintage shop is not exclusively a record store, it does have an impressive collection of vinyl. The selection focuses on new vinyl from independent labels and vintage vinyl records, cassettes and compact discs.
The vintage metro
205 Second Street, Lewes | 291-2984
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