There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes at an independent record store. And I think it’s worth sharing the story of how I have managed to grow my own store, Glitter Records in today’s fast-changing retail landscape. Many people are curious about how a small business like mine can thrive, especially when it’s all about buying and selling physical media. There’s often a bit of confusion too—how does it all work? I hope this sheds some light on what’s been happening behind the scenes at Glitter Records in 2024.
The Growth of My Independent Record Store – Adapting to the Evolving Music Market
Between May and October 2024, Glitter Records saw some exciting growth, especially when it came to my inventory. But it wasn’t just about numbers. It was about how I have adapted to a changing music landscape. Vinyl is still Glitter Records’ core, but we’ve started focusing more on CDs—and it’s been a smart move.
As of now, my total inventory stands at an impressive 17,500 sound recordings, with 100 new additions daily. This includes 11,591 CDs, 4,648 vinyl records, 981 shellac discs, and 277 cassettes, alongside 241 DVDs and 115 box sets. And an assortment of other formats such as an Edison cylinder.
The Disconnect Between Online and In-Store: A Growing Challenge
I have to confess. It’s challenging when customers see something online and come in assuming it’s in the shop, only to find out it’s not. I completely understand their frustration. As someone committed to customer service I share a similar feeling myself. It’s tough when there’s a disconnect between the online inventory and what’s physically available in the store.
The Reality of Running An Independent Record Store
As a one-person business, I’m the one handling everything—from managing the online listings to curating the in-store experience. I’m in the shop from 11 to 6, six days a week, and spend my mornings in the warehouse managing stock. With so much focus on balancing these duties, the gap between my online and in-store offerings is becoming bigger. It’s a challenge, but it’s something I’m actively working to resolve, finding better ways to make the online and offline experiences flow more smoothly and satisfy both types of customers.
The Shift Toward Secondhand Music: A Focus on Sustainability and Value
The key reason for this growth is the increasing demand for affordable, secondhand CDs, especially from younger buyers and long-time music collectors on a budget. Timing is everything. Even two years ago general enthusiasm toward CDs was cool. At least relative to vinyl. Over the past year, I’ve seen that swing the other way.
As a result, the number of items Glitter Records can offer has grown. The online store has 17,000 items now compared to just 1,000 last year. While the inventory has grown my time hasn’t.
Handling online orders, picking, packing, and shipping CDs takes a lot more time than managing vinyl records. As a small business, I can’t afford to hire extra help, so I’ve had to put my physical health first and invest time in educating myself about better time management. Balancing the physical store and the growing online side, which is where most sales happen, has been a challenge, but it’s working. This hybrid approach—keeping a traditional store alive while boosting my CD inventory online—has become a big part of Glitter Records’ identity.
Smart Financial Decisions Can Set Up An Independent Record Store For Success
The more challenging aspects fade away in my head when I consider the remarkable growth my store has undergone in just three years. A rapid pace I have kept up in 2024 despite considerable economic headwinds. In May 2024, Glitter Records started with an inventory with a retail value of $156,711.96. This is a significant amount for a small independent record store.
Early on, I realized two important lessons about curating my growing collection. First, trends may bring short-term gains, but they aren’t profitable in the long run. Picking hot artists or releases to bet on is great. Until you pick wrong. It’s better to focus on a wide range of music with inherent value, the kind that may sell more slowly, but consistently. That’s where the real opportunity lies.
In May, after running a brick-and-mortar independent record store for more than a year, I also made a conscious decision to focus on secondhand records and CDs. This shift was both a business choice and a personal one. I’ve always been passionate about sustainability. Selling pre-owned music not only supports that value but also keeps music in circulation rather than contributing to more pollution. I quickly learned that while this approach means some records I have to take longer to move, they sell for the right reasons, and that’s been a huge advantage for Glitter Records. I can afford to be patient and wait for the right customer, something many other shops can’t do.
To further safeguard the store’s future, I also decided to set aside a $3,000 “cushion.” While it can feel like it’s just sitting there while there are many great records out there to be found, having this reserve allows me the flexibility to navigate any unexpected challenges. Whether it’s a surprise expense or an opportunity I need to jump on. It’s been crucial in helping me make thoughtful, measured decisions, ensuring my independent record store can stay open and continue to grow no matter what comes my way.
The Big Shift: How CDs Are Powering My Recent Growth
From July to October, Glitter Records experienced some of its biggest growth yet. In July, total inventory rose to $200,364. This was driven by a strategic push into CDs and a return to my roots—refocusing on online sales. Especially after temporarily shutting the store to install new shelves. With the physical shop closed, I saw this as the perfect time to concentrate on building my online presence. I set a new standard for personal focus and a new pace for online listings I have broken from.
By August, the inventory value jumped to $248,803. And by October, it reached $290,375. Glitter Records inventory of secondhand CDs helped me grow rapidly—up nearly 20% in just one month. The inventory is seventeen times bigger than it was a year ago.
Tracking Growth: The Role of Online Sales in Glitter Records’ Success
Perhaps the biggest change we saw was the rise of online CD sales. In the past, a good deal more of my revenue came from in-store purchases of vinyl records. But since July 2024, online sales have remained the growing backbone of my business. This year has been about adapting to how people are now shopping for music and what they are looking for. In-store connections remain important to me. Especially in the long term. As does the culture of record stores. It’s clear, however, that focusing on online platform has been the key to Glitter Records’ growth.
Hybrid models are still new, and I’m hopeful that as time goes on, the understanding of how online and offline can work together will continue to evolve. The ultimate goal is to build a community that involves others, sharing music, ideas and connecting others with music in meaningful ways.
