Independent Record Stores in Philadelphia

While you will never have trouble locating large record chains like Tower, Best Buy, and FYE in Philadelphia, the great independent record stores can often be overshadowed. While there are a few gems scattered in the suburbs and right across the river (Repo in Bryn Mawr, Princeton Record Exchange in Princeton) you can easily hit up a few great stores in a single day if you venture into the center city area. Spaceboy Music, Repo Records, and AKA Music are all within walking distance from one another and are all well worth the trip. Even if you aren’t looking to spend much all three stores offer great used selections. Plus vinyl junkies can be satisfied at all three. So, if you are tired of not finding the independent releases you are craving, want to regain that sense of exploring that once make record shopping great, or are just looking to try something a little different, than check out the stores listed below.

Spaceboy Music
704 South Street
215-925-3032
www.spaceboymusic.com

Spaceboy is a wide-open and fresh looking record store. Inside you will find not only an abundance of everything indie, but also a large electronic section. Spaceboy always has tons of new releases as well as a large used section. Their vinyl selection is also pretty impressive with an array of both 12” and 7” records, and gives you the chance to flip through crates in hopes of finding a gem. The staff is very knowledgeable and there is plenty to browse if you are unsure of what you are looking to buy.

Repo Records
538 South Street
215-627-3775
www.reporecords.com