Where to Find Vinyl Records in GR

Vinyl is back! The Recording Industry Association of America reports that vinyl record sales beat out CDs in 2022, for the first time in 35 years. Shop for new and used vinyl records – and the equipment you need to play them – at these Grand Rapids stores. 

Vinyl Alchemy

1505 Wealthy St. SE, Suite 1507, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Located in the same building as the iconic Yesterdog restaurant in Eastown, Vinyl Alchemy sells new and used vinyl records, CDs, memorabilia, pop culture collectibles, signed concert posters and more.

The name of the store refers to the medieval discipline that sought to turn base metals into gold. Vinyl Alchemy is dedicated to helping customers find the “gold” that musicians and artists have endeavored to create.

Visitors will find a wide variety of music genres represented in the vinyl record bins and there’s a cozy listening nook to sample your selection before buying. There’s always cool music playing in the background and the friendly, knowledgeable staff – including owner Kevin Romanyk – loves to talk music.

Check the Vinyl Alchemy Facebook page for new releases, fun finds and special in-store events.

Vertigo Music

129 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Located downtown, Vertigo Music  offers one of the largest selections of vinyl in the area. The store carries more than 25,000 new records, all priced cheaper than regular retail, and around 10,000 used records of all genres and styles. Some of the most popular genres of records Vertigo sells are metal, punk, hip-hop, jazz, folk, and indie.

Vertigo Music buys used vinyl, and their staff is a great resource for new and new-to-you artist and label recommendations. They also sell CDs, cassettes, DVDs, books, apparel, posters and music gear – including record turntables, replacement needles and speakers. It’s open every day to satisfy your music fix.

Della Soul Records

1220 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

The city’s first Black woman-owned record shop was opened by Della Marie Levi, aka DJ Della Soul, in fall of 2023. Della Soul Records is a community hub, a place to buy vinyl records and unique gifts, and a space to enjoy intimate listening sessions with local artists.

The vinyl collection here favors jazz, urban adult contemporary, old-school R&B and hip hop, Motown and related genres. The space is comfortable and non-cluttered, with seating, a TV and the sounds of soft music in the background. The walls are lined with portraits of Black music icons and other artwork.

Follow Della Soul on Facebook to keep abreast of regular specials – such as $5 off all new vinyl records on Thursdays – and news of community events like the Storytellers series, which invites a community member to talk about their personal journey and how music influenced them.

In February 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris stopped by Della Soul Records while visiting Grand Rapids. Della reports that the Veep purchased greeting cards picturing Ella Fitzgerald and Notorious B.I.G., a George Clinton Funko Pop and a Mile Davis vinyl record.

The Corner Record Shop

2928 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville, MI 49418

The Corner Record Shop carries a massive selection of used records. “Tens and tens of thousands,” was the best estimate an employee could give regarding the number of records for sale.

In addition to standard size 33 RPM records, The Corner Record Shop has more than 50,000 45 RPMs for sale. Budget-conscious collectors will find thousands of $1 records in the back of the store. Some of the most popular genres of music they have for sale are rock, jazz, R&B, and blues, and they’re expanding their selection of country and soundtrack records.

The Corner Record Shop also sells record players, replacement needles, receivers, and speakers allowing people to purchase a complete setup and start a record collection, all at once. Need your turntable repaired? Their technician is happy to take a look. The store is open seven days a week.

Part Time Records

3516 Plainfield Ave NE B, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Part Time Records (formerly known as Quality Vintage Audio) buys and sells used records, CDs and tapes, and also stocks new vinyl releases and reissues. The shop has thousands of records in its collection and boasts an audiophile listening room so you can test drive that treasure you found digging in the bins.

This independent record shop is proud to feature local artists and indie releases, and can special order new vinyl for you. It is located inside Quality Vintage Collectibles, a furniture and décor store on the northeast side of Grand Rapids.

Part Time Records also offers a few hundred new and used records for sale at Scorpion Hearts Club, a coffee café in the Uptown neighborhood. Join Part Time Records proprietor Jonathan Venlet as he spins vinyl at Scorpion Hearts every Wednesday from 5:30pm-7pm.

You can also find used vinyl records for sale in many local antique stores, and the latest releases at Schuler Books & Music. 

Dodds Record Shop

808 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

“Dodds is more than a record shop. It’s a museum of music and the history of pop culture,” owner Reverend Charles proudly states. Dodds opened in 1937, making it the oldest record shop in Michigan.

Dodds Record Shop (aka Rev. Charles' Museum of Music and Memorabilia) has approximately 80,000 used LPs and 45s for sale, in addition to the Reverend’s personal collection of nearly 500 factory sealed LPs from the ‘80s. Dodds’ selection covers all genres of albums from the 1930s to the ‘90s.

When previous and long-time owner Gerry Dodds was asked by current owner Reverend Charles about the new idea of Record Store Day in 2010, he looked at Charles and said, “Son, every day at Dodds is Record Store Day.”

Dodds Record Shop is open select weekends – check its website or call 616.536.1951 for the schedule. It’s always open on Record Store Day!

Misfitz Audio

2660 28th St. SE Suite G, Grand Rapids, MI 49512

If you ever have equipment problems while listening to all those new and used records, Misfitz Audio has you covered.

Misfitz is a throwback to the days of home stereo stores. Misfitz carries new and used gear, from a variety of manufacturers, in addition to buying, trading, and selling on consignment. Misfitz also offers complete restoration services on a variety of home stereo equipment including turntables, amps, speakers, and more.