The Best Record Stores In Columbus, Ohio

The Best Record Stores In Columbus, Ohio 

Growing up in Columbus, Ohio during the 1970’s and 80’s meant visiting the local record store to buy records, posters, band merchandise, and even concert tickets. As a teen, I remember standing in line for hours waiting for Van Halen tickets to go on sale for their 1984 tour that went through Cincinnati, Ohio.

But shortly after, a new music format, the cassette tape, took over. Later followed compact discs(CDs) and ultimately digital music. Over time, vinyl records when by the wayside.

At least for awhile.

But one thing that hasn’t changed is the nostalgic feeling you get browsing and flipping through hundreds of vinyl records looking for that “one record” you must own. Even the cover art, or printed lyrics on some albums is fun to look at.

Digital music may have taken over, but vinyl records are making a comeback

While vinyl records may seem like an artifact from the past, they are making a comeback.

According to statista.com, US record sales exploded in the last decade. This chart shows just how fast this rise is, starting from around 2010, but increasing dramatically from 2017 to 2022.

Buyers are no longer just Gen-X and Baby Boomers trying to hold on to the past. There is a growing popularity with younger generations who think listening to albums is “retro cool”.

And many artists are releasing new music on vinyl!

While many of us debate which format is better, digital or vinyl, there is something about listening to a vinyl record that is special. Listening to vinyl records has a warm, analog sound that takes you back to a simpler time.

Listening to “More than a Feeling“, by Boston on a vinyl record for some reason, just feels better.

So that begs the question? Where can we find records?

Best places to buy vinyl records in Columbus, Ohio

Ohio is home to some amazing record stores. Here are some of the best record stores in Columbus worth visiting:

Spoonful Records

Spoonful records is a small, independent record store located in downtown Columbus. Spoonful provides a great selection of new and gently used vinyl records, CDs and cassettes. And, if you are looking for a record player they also sell turntables.

If you want to get rid of “old records” you have lying around the house, or inherited, Spoonful buys used records, cassettes, CDs and more!

I found Spoonful Records to have a friendly atmosphere, great customer service and reasonable prices! Definitely a shop to check out if you get a chance to get downtown.

Photo credit: Spoonful Records Facebook page

Spoonful Records
144 E State St.
Columbus, OH 43215

Used Kids Records

Used Kids Records is the quintessential record store and one that I frequented often when I was a student at OSU. It has been around since 1986.

This past December, I went there with my daughter who was home from college. She wanted to check out what she called “an old fashioned record store” since her boyfriend recently got a record player and she was looking for a Christmas gift.


Used Kids Records has a great variety of records in all major music genres. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or trade, the staff at Used Kids Records is right there to help you out if needed.

Used Kids also hosts local bands in what it calls, First Fridays. First Fridays is a monthly event where they bring in local bands to play. All the shows are free and helps promote local musicians.

Used Kids Records
2500 Summit St.
Columbus, OH 43202

Magnolia Thunderpussy

Magnolia Thunderpussy is the oldest record store in Columbus. Located in the Short North, they have a large selection of items including vinyl records from modern and classic artists.

Where Magnolia Thunderpussy stands out besides record selection, is that they have a massive selection of band merchandise including t-shirts, posters, patches, stickers and buttons. Probably the most diverse selection of band merchandise items we have seen.

You can buy, sell, or trade records, CDs, BluRay and DVDs, and even purchase many items online through their online store.

Photo Credit: Facebook

Magnolia Thunderpussy
1155 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43201

Records Per Minute

Records Per Minute is another great local record store that has a great selection of records, new and used turntables, and other merchandise like shirts and posters.

We found the store to be well organized and containing a great mix of new and used records. The store is small, but everything is well organized and easy to find. And if you can’t find what you are looking for, the staff is helpful and will help you find it.

Free parking was limited when we went, but there is plenty of parking near by.

Photo credit: Records Per Minute Facebook page

Records Per Minute
2579 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43202

Lost Weekend Records

Lost Weekend Records is another great independent record shop and well worth the visit. It is a little on the smaller-size but has free parking and a great selection of vinyl records to look at.

The store is broken down into three main rooms (main room, green room and the pop/rock room), each broken down into several genres of music. For those looking for deals, you can also check out their eBay auctions and $1 record section.

We thought the store had a cool vibe that drew us to start flipping through the record selection to find hidden gems. We did find a couple records we liked at prices that were very fair.

Photo credit: Lost Weekend Records Facebook page

Lost Weekend Records
2960 N High St.
Columbus, OH 43202

Elizabeth’s Records

Elizabeth’s records is another independent record store in the Columbus area and growing local favorite. They have a great selection of LPs and 45s and are easy to find and get to.

If you are looking to get rid of extra LPs or 45s that you have lying around, be sure to get ahold of their staff as they are always looking for private collections to buy.

Photo credit: Elizabeth’s Records Facebook page

Elizabeth’s Records
3037 Indianola Ave.
Columbus, OH 43202

Steve
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