47 Best Places to Shop in USA

Heaven for audiophiles and movie collectors, this legendary shop is the place for new and used CDs, vinyl, cassettes, VHS tapes, Blu-ray discs, and DVDs. The massive and ever-changing stock includes thousands of titles for all music tastes.

With well over a million new and used CDs, DVDs, and records at bargain prices, this warehouse-like offshoot of the Berkeley original carries titles you won't find on Amazon. No niche is ignored—from electronica and hip-hop to jazz and classical—and the stock changes frequently. In-store performances attract large crowds.

Touted as the "World's Largest Independent Record Store," Amoeba is a playground for music lovers, with a knowledgeable staff and a focus on local artists. Catch free in-store appearances and signings by artists and bands that play sold-out shows at venues down the road. There's a massive and eclectic collection of vinyl records, CDs, and cassette tapes, not to mention VHS tapes, DVDs, and Blu-Ray discs. It’s a paradise for both music and movie lovers.

This longtime anchor of Starland is a huge part of the area's enticingly artsy, bizarre reputation. Vinyl heads will love digging through the bins of old and new records, some freshly pressed by the Graveface record label. There's also the wicked apparel and delightfully creepy taxidermy exhibits—yes, stuffed animals, and not the cuddly kind—that make this a must for any visit to the neighborhood.

A purveyor of new and used music as well as music-geek accessories, Grimey's is a Nashville institution and a must-visit for music fans touring Nashville. Before you visit, check the store's in-store events calendar—there's a good chance you'll catch some great music while browsing the vinyl crates.

This independent record store is a mecca for vinyl lovers, stocking both vintage classics and the latest indie darlings. It's clean and organized, but with just the right amount of a time-worn vibe. Along with the vinyl, you'll find CDs and even cassettes, and a staff of enthusiasts happy to point you in the right direction. If they have one of their free in-store events when you're in the neighborhood, stop by for a unique musical experience.

A huge selection of new music for every taste has been drawing crowds to this independent brand since 1971. Only in a town that also contained Amoeba Music could Rasputin's stock of used CDs, DVDs, collectibles, and vinyl be surpassed.

A haven for music lovers, Academy is known for its vast and ever-changing inventory of new and used vinyl and CDs in every genre you can think of. The stock includes collector's items as well as movies and stereo equipment. Check the bargain bins for treasures.

This little retro record shop has a smart cross-section of genres to add to your vinyl collection. And while you're at it, check out the assemblage of nostalgic cassettes, the shelves of CDs, and the trove of posters.

This place is a cool spot for the blues—the music, the look, the memorabilia—and for beautiful hats for guys and gals. It carries books, boxed sets, and posters of blues and jazz biggies.

While you're in a western-state of mind, mosey over to Cheif Records for country tunes from the likes of Gene Autry, Lefty Frizzell, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bob Wills, and of course Ernest Tubbs.

Part record store, part music gear store, this laid-back spot has a great selection of vinyl that's not huge but nearly all of note. Similarly they often have some obscure synths and music effects boxes that have been refurbished and are reasonably priced.

This small, stylishly outfitted shop with a roll-up door for warm days, stocks a great, varied selection of great-condition used vinyl, including deep-catalog albums, plus a lot of 45s. Local audiophiles adore this place.

This eclectic record shop is among a stretch of local and mostly Black-owned businesses on Bayou Road that are well worth checking out. The shop carries new and used records and has an especially large collection of reggae and international LPs. A guest DJ often spins a set on Saturday afternoons.

The retail outlet of a massive online business, Dusty Groove stocks an enormous collection of new and used jazz, soul, hip-hop, Latin, rock, and other genres in both LP and CD formats. It also buys used records and CDs.

A Seattle institution since 1979, Dusty Strings has long been delighting folk and roots music lovers with beautifully crafted hammered dulcimers, harps, guitars of all stripes, banjos, ukuleles, and mandolins. The relaxed shop invites hands-on browsing, and the lilting strains of traditional melodies often fill the space.

Opened in 1988 and still thriving, this record store will make you feel cool enough to wander the aisles and browse the new and used vinyl, even if you've never dropped a needle in your life. A staple of Seattle's music scene, it hosts free in-store performances by bands you've probably heard of (Pearl Jam has played here), along with selling records, CDs, cassettes, and DVDs. Listening stations let you preview albums before purchasing, and the attached café offers the kind of breakfast you'd want after a night of rocking out. Every other Monday is Music Quiz night.

Come here for recordings of Cajun, zydeco, and "swamp pop"—a mix of rock, R&B, and Cajun music that's big in the area. You can also shop on their website for an even larger selection.

Fork’s has been around since 1982, though they've only been in their location near Wedgewood-Houston since 2018. They carry a full stock of new and used items to keep percussionists happy, covering everything from sticks and mallets to drumheads and cases.

Gibson's flagship experiential guitar shop combines the historic narrative of a museum with a hands-on music store. Staffed by some of the most knowledgeable gearheads that can be found, it's easy to take a Gibson for a test drive or track down a special accessory to get you the tone of your dreams. Branded apparel, gifts, and a book section ensure there's a little something for everyone.

Local DJs and club kids go to Gramaphone to find vintage and cutting-edge dance, house, techno, and hip-hop releases. You can hear them on the spot at one of the store's listening stations. It also stocks merch like slipmats for your turntable, products for maintaining your record player, and Chicago house music–themed apparel.

This long-standing destination sells rare and vintage guitars, banjos, mandolins, and more. Music fans will be in awe of their extensive inventory and knowledgeable staff. Many famous musicians take advantage of Gruhn's instrument repair services, so you know that they are among the best.

This five-decade-old shop stocks high-quality acoustic guitars, albums, and thousands of titles of sheet music—and even has its own editions and recordings wing. The custom guitars, banjos, ukuleles, and mandolins make this a true musician's choice.

It may seem like an odd combination to offer, but this funky little shop knows how to do both right. Handcrafted instruments start at just $100 and are made by local master luthiers David Gomes and Mark Evans. One lesson is included with your purchase, and they also have a great selection of other stringed instruments and accessories. Cigar lovers can sit in the lounge and enjoy a custom, hand-rolled Nicaraguan cigar for just $10. Or you can partake of the CBD option if cigars aren't your thing, then browse the cool selection of Hawaiiana in the gift shop before you leave.

If you're seeking rare or out-of-print jazz recordings, this is your one-stop shop. Long-lost Ellingtons and other rare pressings come to light here; the jazz-record specialist also stocks books, collectibles, DVDs, posters, CDs, and LPs.

As the name suggests, this place is all about ukuleles—from music books to T-shirts and accessories like cases and bags. The independently owned shop carries a variety of ukuleles ranging from low-priced starter instruments to high-end models made of koa and mango.

A favorite resource for New Orleans and regional music—new and old—the Louisiana Music Factory has records, tapes, CDs, DVDs, sheet music, and books, as well as listening stations, music-oriented T-shirts, original art, and a stage that hosts frequent live concerts. This shop is a beehive of activity during the New Orleans Jazz Fest.