Record Store Day Explained
Every spring, independent shops celebrate vinyl with exclusive releases. Here's how to make the most of it.
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What it is
Record Store Day (RSD) is an annual event supporting independent record shops, with limited exclusive pressings released on the day. It's become a highlight of the vinyl calendar.
How to shop it
Popular RSD titles sell out fast. Check the list in advance, get to your local shop early, and have a back-up choice or two. Half the fun is the queue and the chat.
Beyond the exclusives
Even if you miss the limited releases, RSD is a great excuse to support a local shop and dig through the regular racks.
Frequently asked questions
What is Record Store Day?
It's an annual event supporting independent record shops, where labels issue limited and exclusive pressings available in-store on the day. It has grown into one of the biggest dates in the vinyl calendar.
Are Record Store Day releases worth buying?
If you want a specific exclusive, it's often the only way to get it — but limited stock means queues, and some titles command high prices afterwards. Buy what you genuinely want to own and play rather than purely to resell.