On 18 April it’s Record Store Day – a celebration of that unique grassroots culture which, even in the face of constant adversity wracking the UK music scene, endures and provides a community for innumerable lovers of physical media. Since the fifties, Nottingham’s been a hub for well-visited record stores, some becoming legendary like Selectadisc – which once hosted The Clash in store – and Way Ahead – who as well as selling vinyl also sold tickets for one of Oasis’ biggest tours. Music has changed a lot over the last few years, but here’s eleven record shops still worth checking out
Fac1968
This relatively new but slightly retro vinyl and clothing store opened in Nottingham city centre in 2024, celebrating their first Record Store Day this year. With a long and incredible list of stock being sold on the day, ranging from Jeff Buckley to the Sex Pistols to Olivia Dean and many more, they’ll also have live DJs in store. Owned by the lovely couple Gary Prail and Cheryl Marshall, with a name inspired by Manchester’s legendary Factory Records, this quirky and cool store offers a huge range of clothing items and record vinyls.
5-7 St James's Street, NG1 6FG
@fac1968ltd
Fopp
Fopp first came to Nottingham in the 2000s and for many years ran a well-loved store on Queen Street. The brand grew from a one-man Glasgow market stall, founded in 1981, to an independent records, films and books empire that was spread widely across the UK. In the late 2000s they sold out to HMV, but in 2024 they reopened on Bridlesmith Gate. Customers are able to browse thousands of vinyl albums, CDs, books and Blu-Rays. As such, if you’re searching for a piece of physical media that you can enjoy and treasure for a long time to come, this spot is worth a visit.
25 Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham NG1 2GR
fopp.com
HMV
Still holding it down in Victoria Centre after all these years! HMV as a company actually dates right back to 1921 (or 1898 if you count The Gramophone Company which preceded it). The store expanded from gramophone sales to become a dominant global music and film chain and anyone over the age of forty is likely to remember their old Listergate store, which was opened with a special appearance by Depeche Mode in 1986. It’s been a rocky road for them over the last decade with the huge rise in digital, but it’s still a good spot for vinyl records, CDs, films, box sets and pop culture merchandise.
Unit 95, Victoria Centre, NG1 3QE
hmv.com
Hopkinson
Over on Station Street Hopkinson’s is a colourful and vibrant community, made up of numerous independent businesses and creatives. A warren of a place where you can spend a good few hours rummaging, it is one of Nottingham’s top retail attractions and a favourite destination for lovers of vintage, handmade items and antiques. They offer everything from vintage fashion and homewares to handmade items, rare collectables, and one-of-a-kind finds, including vinyl records.
21 Station Street, NG2 3AJ
@hopkinson21
Ice Nine
You’ll probably know Hockley’s most recognisable corner shop, Ice Nine, for its cool and unique silver jewellery, alternative clothing and waft of incense. Since 1979, they have been a jewel at the heart of Nottingham’s historic Hockley, and are still providing that old school shopping experience. Downstairs you can find a wide selection of vinyl, including many rare and unusual records.
9-13 Goose Gate, NG1 1FE
icenine.co.uk
Music Inn Records
This shop, formerly known as Papworth’s, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019. The company was launched by Mr Rose’s great grandad, Sanders Papworth in 1919. The name was changed to The Music Inn in the 1970s, at a time when Eric, Mr Rose’s dad would tour with bands across the country, selling records at gigs, with artists including Tony Bennet. For over a century now, this shop has been kept in business by the pure love and enjoyment of music in the physical form.
12 West End Arcade, NG1 6JP
Rob’s Records
Hidden in Hurts Yard, an almost secret narrow passage tucked between shops and bars off the busy Upper Parliament Street, you’ll find one of Nottingham’s most unique record shops. After 45 years of ownership, the founder and owner, Rob Smith, has shown that doing things differently to the norm hasn’t done any harm to business but instead he continues to draw in new customers. This place is a hidden gem within the chaos, each record a needle in a haystack.
4-5 Hurts Yard, NG1 6JD
@robsrecordsnottingham
Rough Trade
Since opening in West London, back in 1976, Rough Trade Records have remained an independent company, and now own bricks-and-mortar stores spanning the UK, USA, and Germany. Their Nottingham branch opened twelve years ago, and it remains a great place to connect with fellow music lovers. They also have a cosy, well-loved gig space that has pulled in some big name artists. Whether you want to enjoy a gig in that space, often featuring artist signings, find some profoundly exclusive vinyl, or pick up some flashy merch or a good read about music history, they’ve got you covered.
5 Broad St, Nottingham NG1 3AJ
@roughtradenottm
Running Circle
Three years in, this independent record label and music merchant, located right in the heart of Sneinton Market Avenues, offers a great choice and wide selection of vinyl. Owned by Guohan Zeng and Tom Towle, musicians and DJs themselves, have turned this once empty unit into a welcoming space with opportunities for other upcoming artists to launch events as well as sell their records.
Unit 46, Freckingham St, NG1 1DQ
@runningcirclerecords
Vinyl Attraction
A lovely shop in the town centre of Newark set up by lifelong music enthusiast Tony Mills in 2019. Mills previously spent 35 years in the motor trade before following his passion for vinyl records and memorabilia in opening the store. The shop specialises in a wide variety of new and used vinyl records across genres like rock, soul, and punk. It also sells music-related t-shirts and memorabilia and is taking part in Record Store Day with various goodies on offer.
48 Kirk Gate, Newark NG24 1AB
vinylattraction.co.uk
Vinyl Destination
Set up in 2022, this is second-hand lovers paradise is located on Arnold’s main strip which both buys and sells vinyl. Manager Mark Levy has been a resident of Arnold for around 35 years and worked in retail before following his dream in opening the store. He regularly bulk buys from vinyl fans looking to downsize their collection and if you dig through his crates there’s plenty of treasures to be found.
29 Front St, Arnold, NG5 7EA
@vinyl_destination_notts
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