Your guide to finding the best new and used vinyl record shops in the Charlotte area.
Records are making a comeback in Charlotte, as more people nationwide are collecting records and engaging in the retro hobby.
The trend that started in the mid-1900s never quite went away, although it’s had ups and downs. According to a 2022 Music Industry Revenue Report, vinyl records revenue grew 17% to $1.2 billion, making 2022 its 16th consecutive year of growth.
Releases include every genre of music that this planet has ever heard of. You’ll find famous rock bands like The Rolling Stones and Queen right along with talented hip-hop artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre, so there is something for everyone.
Check out these independent record spots in Charlotte to find what you’re looking for. (Sorry, not sorry, Amazon).
Collector’s Choice
Location: 966 N. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis NC 28083
This record store is about a 30-minute drive from Charlotte, making it a great “off the map” record store. Although there is no social media page or official website for this quaint spot, customers love finding “oldies but goldies” record albums. One thing you need to know before heading out there is that this establishment is cash-only, so don’t forget to ditch your credit card.
Hours: Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.
Hardy Boys Records and Comics
Location: Inside Homestyles Mint Hill, 11237 Lawyers Rd STE 201, Mint Hill, NC
Location: Inside Antique Alley Matthews,1325 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Matthews, NC
With locations in Mint Hill and Matthews, the family-owned Hardy Boys shops sell a large variety of records and comics. You can also find guitar gear, LaserDiscs and stereo equipment.
Pro tip: Keep an eye out for more. The owners are looking for a new spot for their third shop in South End, NoDa or Camp North End.
Hours: Homestyles Mint Hill: Monday -Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
Antique Alley Matthews: Monday, Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1- 5:30 p.m.
Jampac Records
Location: 111 S Main St, Monroe NC 28112
“It’s a Walt Gibson thang.” Located in the heart of downtown Monroe, Jampac Records was established in 1986 and serves as one of the well-known independent record stores. This spot sells and buys records from 1955-99, soul, country and more.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Lunchbox Records
Location: 825 Central Ave Charlotte NC 28204.
Located near Plaza Midwood, this independent record shop sells new and used records, DVDs, turntables and more. This old-school indie record store opened its doors in 2005 and has been one of the best and most well-known spots to find, collect or sell vinyl records.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 12-6 p.m.; Sunday, 1-6 p.m.
Mad Jack’s Records & Comics
Location: 315 W. John St. Matthews NC 28105
Located in Matthews, this brick-and-mortar store has an excellent selection of records and CDs. Mad Jack’s also sells Marvel and DC comic books and fun t-shirts, patches and posters. From X-Men comic books to George Harrison records, this record store has a little bit of everything for everyone.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
Noble Records
Location: 11500 E Independence Blvd Unit 4, Matthews NC 28105
Noble Records is an independent record shop located in Charlotte and is known for having a huge following of 55 thousand followers on Instagram. Established in 2010, it started off as collectors that wanted to find and rescue records from basements, attics and spaces where they might be forgotten. The owners’ main focus is to provide the local community of creatives with inspiring music from all genres from pysch to metal, jazz and more.
Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m.- 6 p.m.
The Poet’s Vault
Location: 6424 South Blvd Suite B Charlotte NC 28217
Located right next to Sleepy Poet Antique Mall is The Poet’s Vault. This record shop sells records, comics, games and toys. It has thousands of curated, high quality and used records. While you’re done shopping, this is a perfect chance to check out the cafe and vintage items next door.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 12-6 p.m.
Premium Sound
Location: 2615 Central Ave, Charlotte NC 28205
Premium Sound is back in business, joining forces at Gold Tone Workshop to provide all things music. This new record store offers vintage instruments, new and used records, and guitar and amp repair.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 12-7 p.m.
Repo Records
Location: 3325 Commonwealth Ave Charlotte NC 28205
In the same neighborhood as Lunchbox Records, Repo Records is just a short drive down Commonwealth Avenue. Repo has a number of used and new records, power amps, speakers and DJ equipment.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 12-5 p.m.
Revolver Records
Location: 109 Main St, McAdenville NC 28101
Located in McAdenville, this record store is just a 25-minute drive from Charlotte and is worth checking out. This record spot has a great selection of vinyl, cassettes, CDs and equipment. The shop also has vintage records from Fleetwood Mac and Marvin Gaye.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 12 p.m.-7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
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Old Dog Vinyl Records
Location: 500 S Main Street, Booth E28, Mooresville NC 28115
Seventeen miles north of Charlotte is Old Dog Vinyl Records, located in Main Street Antiques & Design Gallery in Mooresville. With a huge selection of country, rock and blues, this spot also has framed memorabilia, cassette tapes and CDs. Old Dog also specializes in vintage records along with new, remastered records.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
33 ⅓ Records
Location: 214 W Broad St, Statesville, NC 28677
If you record lovers want to make a mini road trip out of the city, check out 33 ⅓ Records located in downtown Statesville. This Statesville-only independent record shop has new and used vinyl, tapes, CDs and more for every music-lover to enjoy and shop. Come and check it out, this record shop might have your favorites.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 12 p.m.- 8 p.m.
