Record Store Day · Guide
Is Record Store Day worth it?
The short answer
It depends on the shop, the record and what you enjoy. Record Store Day brings people into independent shops and can be a great day out. It can also mean early queues, high prices and resellers clearing the shelves. You don't have to take part to support your local shop. Love the shops, not the scramble.
Why fans love it
- A day out at shops they love
- Records that wouldn’t exist otherwise
- Live music, food and good company
- Fresh used stock in the racks
Why it frustrates fans
- Early queues and uncertain stock
- Resellers buying to sell on
- Prices above standard editions
- Uneven allocations between shops
What’s good about it
At its best, Record Store Day is a celebration of independent shops. Lots of shops make a day of it, with bands, food and coffee for the queue. Some records only exist because of it: archive live recordings, albums on vinyl for the first time, records out of print for years. And for many shops it’s one of the biggest trading days of the year.
What frustrates people
Fans who’ve been going for years say it changed as it grew. Queues start earlier, the most popular titles go in minutes, and some of the people at the front are there to resell. Prices have crept up: an RSD edition can cost far more than the standard pressing of the same album. And lots of fans find most of the list isn’t for them: live albums, picture discs and represses of records already easy to find.
Is it a cash grab?
It’s a real event with a real purpose, and many shops depend on it. But not every release is good value. A simple test: would you want this record without the RSD sticker? If the standard edition is in print for less, it may be the better buy.
Supporting shops on any other day
Buying from your local shop any week of the year supports it, and many fans would rather do that than queue. If the day isn’t for you, skip it, and pick up anything you wanted from the leftovers or later. Plenty of shops say their regulars matter more than one busy Saturday.
Our view
Love the shops, not the scramble. Go if you enjoy it. Skip the queue if you don’t. And you don’t need to pay a reseller to prove you wanted a record. Most RSD records are still at retail price somewhere the morning after.
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FAQ
For many, yes: it can be one of their biggest days of the year. Some shop owners also say they’re left with unsold stock they can’t return, so it’s not simple. How it works for shops →
For a small-run record you really want, maybe. For most RSD First titles and large runs, you can usually wait.
Some are. Compare the price with the standard edition before you buy.