Manchester's best record shops

Manchester’s musical heritage has helped to create something of an unrivalled scene here in the UK, and the city's treasure trove of record shops definitely has something to do with that. Many of them have been going strong since the late 70s and early 80s, encompassing everything from Northern Soul specialists to one-stop shops for technoheads.

You might also be surprised to learn that there's a strong scene outside of the Northern Quarter... although, let's face it, that area's not dubbed 'Vinyl Valley' for no reason.

Here are our favourite record shops in Manchester.

Record shops in the Northern Quarter 

Eastern Bloc

As one of the only shops in the UK to import dance records when it opened back in the mid 80s, Eastern Bloc has enviable credentials as Manchester's best techno, drum'n'bass, house and electronic vinyl stockist.

Indeed, its own musical legacy is entrenched in that of the city's, having helped spearhead its famous surge in dance music – and some three decades later it's also become one of the most sought-after pre-party venues in the city, regularly hosting warm-up sessions with touring and local DJs and Eastern Bloc residents, who'll send you on your way to dance into the wee hours. Long may it reign. Stevenson Square, @Easternbloc1985

Eastern Bloc

Piccadilly Records

Arguably the most famous of Manchester's vinyl hotspots, Piccadilly Records is an undisputed Northern institution, having served music lovers since 1978. Along with vinyl (and CDs and, sometimes, cassettes), the shop also sells record players, merchandise and music magazines, and often hosts events including in-store live sessions, DJ sets and exclusive album playbacks. 

Mostly, though, it's just a great spot to spend an afternoon digging, with pretty much ever genre under the sun generously represented plus knowledgeable, friendly staff to help you along your way. Oldham Street, @PiccadillyRecs

Vinyl Exchange

Also on Oldham Street, Vinyl Exchange is another of Manchester's old-school elite, having opened up in the Northern Quarter back in 1988.

Specialising mostly in second-hand vinyl, inside you'll find two floors mostly dedicated to rock, indie, metal, punk, alternative, industrial, experimental, psychedelic and soundtracks. But there's also plenty of hip-hop, house, techno, jungle, r'n'b, disco, funk, soul and reggae, along with jazz, blues, folk, country and world music. In sum, it's a one-stop shop for all genres! Oldham Street, vinylexchange.co.uk

Vinyl Revival

One of the younger of the bunch yet still something of a veteran is Vinyl Revival, just around the corner. Known largely for its devotion to Mancunian music, there's a big range of vinyl, CDs, t-shirts and posters that chart local bands from the 60s right through to the present day – though there's also a good selection of punk, reggae, soul, rock, hip-hop, electro, house, 50s and 60s music. Hilton Street, @VinylRevivalMcr

Afflecks Palace

Manchester's historical multi-storey independent emporium, Afflecks sells everything from vintage clothes, jewellery and toiletries to art prints, home furnishings and – most importantly – vinyl!

You'll find record selections in shops like Vinyl Resting Place and Soundwaves Here We Come. Set aside an afternoon and go have a rummage. Church Street, afflecks.com

Afflecks Palace

Chorlton's favourite record shop

Kingbee Records

Step out of that Northern Quarter bubble and you'll find that some of Manchester's suburbs are also good spots for a day of crate-digging. Chorlton's Kingbee Records is famed for its collection of Nothern Soul gems, though it also stocks a variety of decently priced other genres including classic rock, dance, hip-hop, punk, folk, Americana and more. Without doubt worth taking a trip to South Manchester for. Wilbraham Road, @kingbeerecords

A little further out of town... 

Endless Music

Over in Prestwich, meanwhile, it's all about Endless Music, which prides itself on being one of North Manchester's only remaining vinyl record stores. Another store that spans all genres, here you'll find rare imports and collectible items alongside classic albums repressed on 180g vinyl. Bury Old Road, endlessmusic.co.uk

The area's also now home to Beatin' Rhythm, formerly of Tib Street turf, which specialises in Northern, modern and rare soul and funk. Bank Street Studios, Warwick Street, beatinrhythm.com

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Where have we missed? Tell us about your favourite record shops in Manchester, in the comments below.