VINYL COUNTDOWN: Repo Records holds it own

The story of Repo Records is a long one and in many ways it exemplifies the changes in the record store industry over the last two decades.

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VINYL COUNTDOWN: Repo Records holds it own

POSTED: Friday, May 27, 2011, 3:35 PM

Intrepid CP entertainment reporter Peter Chawaga sets out on a weekly mission to find the best, quirkiest and - most importantly - still operational record stores our town has to offer.

If I bought record every time I went to a vinyl store for this column, I would be super rich in musical history but dirt poor in the conventional sense. Within ten seconds of visiting Repo Records (538 South St.), however, I knew I couldn’t walk out empty handed. I was ecstatically overwhelmed by their collection of over 10,000 new and used vinyls and prints.

Their inventory includes several albums I never thought I’d see on wax, both new and used — including wax versions of indie and electronic albums from current bands like Ratatat, MGMT and Daft Punk, as well as a huge collection of the standard ‘60s and ‘70s used classic rock albums you’d expect to find. There’s also a good amount of heavy metal, punk and progressive rock albums, which, to me, implies a specific demographic of regular customers. And if you come in with a wishlist, Repo is your best shot at finding it on sale.

The story of Repo Records is a long one and in many ways it exemplifies the changes in the record store industry over the last two decades. In the beginning — 25 years ago — things were good and business was booming at the original location in Wayne, Pa. So much, in fact, that the store moved to a more lucrative spot in Bryn Mawr. As the mid-nineties approached and the vinyl industry began to decline, the popularity of CDs kept Repo afloat and allowed them to open their newest store on South Street. Now that downloading has become the method of choice for music fans, it’s the store’s impressive collection of vinyl that draws customers in. As one employee told me, “people are buying fewer CDs, but more vinyl."

Today, Repo has one of the largest collections of vinyl for sale in the city and in addition to their great indie store vibe, they run an impressive business. Their website features awesome “Staff Pick of the Week”, updates on what’s been coming into the store as well as an online ordering service. So take that, digital music!

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