If you just searched best record stores near me you've come to the right place.
What was once referred to as the phonographic disc record as it pioneered and sustained musical reproduction throughout the 20th century is now known as the vinyl record and continues to be a cultural staple. Vinyl records are just as relevant today as then, and the process of collecting them is an enriching, cathartic, and a unique hobby that’s out there. North Carolina has a long, rich musical history, with the seeds sown throughout time, eventually sprouting in the form of classic labels, independent venues, and some of the top vinyl stores in the country. If you’re a ‘Charlottean’ or simply find yourself in the Queen City, these are the 5 best vinyl record stores in Charlotte to check out.
Lunchbox Records
Address: 825 Central Avenue.
Charlotte, North Carolina 28204
Phone: 704 331 0788
Alive and kicking for almost 15 years, Lunchbox Records is a no-brainer to visit as a vinyl enthusiast. The catchy store name was inspired by the record label that the owner, Scott Wishart, once shared with his brother Steve. The bright blue store, sitting on Central Avenue, will catch your eye and steal your heart in mere moments.
Lunchbox Records sells new and used vinyl records, books, memorabilia, CDs, and DVDs. It also provides a space for performances, having hosted over 340 bands so far. You are bound to find what you are looking for in this space, and their famously warm staff will be sure to assist you along your way.
Repo Record
Address: 3325 Commonwealth Avenue.
Charlotte, North Carolina 28205
Phone: 980 237 2896
Repo Record is a classic all-in-one record store, specializing in used LPs, CDs, and DVDs in a large variety of genres, from country music to heavy metal. The store is an independent Record Store Day member and is known to host Charlotte’s largest catalog of vinyl LPs and 45s. Repo Record is incredibly well-established, having been in retail business in Charlotte for over 30 years.
A unique feature of this store is its special selection of used 45s for only $1. You can also sell your equipment or music to them, buy old-school or contemporary audio equipment such as turntables, speakers or amplifiers – all of which are in mint condition. Certain weekends are also home to a variety of performances.
Noble Records
Address: 11500 E Independence Blvd.
Matthews, NC 28105
Phone: 980 245 8860
Right outside of Charlotte lies a modest, up-and-coming vinyl record store called Noble Records. This independent vinyl record shop started in 2010 as a collector’s hub that sought ‘rescue records’ that people had found in their basements, attics, closets, and garages. Noble Records operates with a conscious purpose, continuing to serve the local community as sharers of assorted, awe-inspiring music.
Noble Records, owned by two friendly record-lovers, has a wide selection of records, competitive prices, and excellent staff. The light, spacious interior with cozy wooden finishes and the surreal image of woodlands situated behind the store fosters an unforgettable experience.
Cream Puff Records
Address: 421 Providence Rd.
Charlotte, North Carolina 28207
Phone: 980 287 4860
Cream Puff Records is a colorful establishment: they are a record store, live music promoter, and music blog based in the Queen City itself. One of their core focuses is to shed light on the incredible musical heritage of North Carolina, and they host frequent events with local artists.
Upon entering the store, situated comfortably in a section of Tabor Men’s Clothing, one is immediately taken aback by the warm, woody atmosphere, the radiance of all the colors and shapes in the room, and the invitation of unmissable records.
Cream Puff Records prides itself on selling stellar used albums, unique underground labels, and the exceptional Southern independent music. If you’re looking to be pleasantly surprised by a thoughtfully created assortment of records, look no further than this store.
Manifest Discs
Address: 6239 South Blvd.
Charlotte, North Carolina 28217
Phone: 704 552 8448
Manifest Discs is an excellent store to find high-quality vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and collectibles. The ample space allows for hours of effortless browsing. It has a diverse selection of records in numerous genres, and also allows you to sell or trade-in your vinyl.
Manifest Discs is situated on sunny South Boulevard, and its powerful presence is hard to miss. The store is easy to locate and friendly to all ages, and not only are the staff friendly, but they are well-informed as well. For rare gems to ubiquitous records, you can expect to find what you’re looking for here.
And here is why the 5 best Vinyl record stores in Charlotte made the cut:
If you browse through any of the 5 best Vinyl record stores in Charlotte that we have listed on this informative guide, you are most likely going to find that new or old release that you want. All you need to do is ask their friendly staff, and they will always have an expert to help you with any queries that you might have. With most of the record store owners doing everything possible to boost their stock, these guys seem to understand almost everything about the best vinyl records.
Walk into any of the 5 best vinyl record stores in Charlotte, and you can easily find that record that you have been looking for over the years!