Whether you’re a seasoned vinyl collector or buying your first one, there’s nothing quite like flipping through crates of records in search of that perfect find. At these local vinyl shops, there’s something for everyone to listen to with music from all genres and decades.
Bowness Arts
Owned by a father and son, this shop features all kinds of physical media including books, board games and records. Bowness Arts carries a large selection of used classic rock records, as well as music from all kinds of genres from country to movie soundtracks. Along with vinyls, the shop sells a huge collection of used VHS tapes and DVDs. It also specializes in board games and roleplaying game tournaments. You can even take advantage of the shop’s record cleaning service for just $5.
6326 Bowness Rd. N.W., 403-288-4926, bownessarts.com
Blackbyrd Myoozik
Founded in Edmonton in the early 1930s, Blackbyrd Myoozik sells and collects a curated selection of new and used CDs and vinyl records. Its two Alberta locations carry music from all kinds of genres from punk to experimental music. Blackbyrd even curates a selection of music specifically for fans of high sound production under the genre “audiophile.” Guests can also place special vinyl orders if the store doesn’t carry a specific album. Blackbyrd and fashion boutique Gravitypope are located within the same building, so pop by its Calgary location to take home a new outfit and a record.
1126 17 Ave. S.W., 403-367-781, blackbyrd.ca
CD Trader Ltd.
This small shop tucked into Brentwood Village Mall carries new and used music gems. For over 20 years, CD Trader has traded, bought and sold new and used media from CDs to vinyls. The store has a wide selection of music from all genres including rock, jazz, pop and R&B. Along with music, the shop also sells used games, Blu-Ray box sets and DVDs.
306, 3630 Brentwood Rd. N.W., 403-220-9470, cdtrader.ca
Hot Wax Records
This beloved record store boutique in Kensington curates, trades and sells records, tapes and CDs. Open since 1973, Hot Wax Records carries a huge selection including soul and metal records and a mix of underground music treasures and popular classic hits. Hot Wax also sells a great selection of new and contemporary albums. Find hidden gems in the discounted used records and tapes in the uncategorized crates and bins.
114 10 St. N.W., 403-283-0055, hotwaxrecords.ca
I Love You Coffee Shop
This coffee shop in the Beltline doubles as a record store where you can enjoy a latte and smooth jazz music. The café specializes in Japanese jazz music and carries all kinds of hidden music gems. Inner Oceans Records, an indie Calgary-based label and record store, sells and supplies a massive collection of vinyls for the coffee shop. From R&B to city pop albums, the shop carries international finds from across the world. Guests can also find a smaller selection of other music genres like classic rock and disco. The shop has colourfully painted walls and is decorated with quirky furniture and art for guests to savour as they sip and shop.
348B 14 Ave. S.W., 403-454-1901, iloveyoucoffeeshop.com
Melodiya Records
Melodiya Records is a popular Calgary spot specializing in curated new and vintage records. Founded in 1995, the shop prides itself on its selection of rare vinyl finds in all genres of music from indie to hip-hop. The shop also purchases and resells all kinds of used music goods and gear from used records to CDs, as well as audio equipment like amps, speakers and turntables.
2523 17 Ave. S.W., 403-246-8916, melodiyarecords.ca
Recordland Limited
Head to Calgary’s Inglewood neighbourhood to visit Recordland Limited. With more than 500,000 used records, the shop has something for everyone. Recordland Limited has an impressive collection of rock, jazz, hip-hop, folk and country. Vinyl fans will want to spend lots of time exploring the wall-to-wall shelves stacked with records. The shop specializes in older used records with a more limited selection of newer records.
1208 9 Ave. S.E., 403-262-3839, facebook.com
Sloth Records
Located on the second level above Clive Burger on 17th Avenue S.W., Sloth Records sells a variety of new and used vinyls, CDs, DVDs and Blu-Ray. Sloth Records curates thousands of records from different genres from reggae to ambient music albums. The shop also covers all your turntable needs with gear like needles and record cleaning supplies. Browse Sloth Records for other goodies like comic books, books and music merch, too.
736B 17 Ave. S.W. 403-265-6585, slothrecords.com
Turn It Up! Records & Hi-Fi
This record store is an ideal spot for music fans and beginner collectors with its curated selection of used, new, vintage and rare vinyl record finds from a variety of music genres. Turn It Up! Records & Hi-Fi has expert staff to help new turntable users find the perfect set up for their needs and even features a listening room with premier audio equipment. Along with vinyls, the shop also sells CDs and DVDS.
632 16 Ave. N.W., 403-235-0858, @turnituprecordsandhifi