America celebrated Record Store Day on Saturday, but missing the annual celebration of vintage vinyl is no reason to not visit a record store any day of the year.
Vinyl records continue to captivate music enthusiasts, and New Jersey remains a prime destination for collectors and casual fans alike.
With a vibrant scene of independent record stores, the Garden State offers a diverse array of shops perfect for finding vintage LPs, rare 45s, and more.
Here’s a list of the top 10 vintage vinyl record stores in New Jersey for 2025, based on selection, atmosphere, and community impact, plus a bonus spot that’s a must-visit for music lovers.
1. Factory Records – Dover
Housed in a 1938 picture frame factory, Factory Records offers a spacious, warehouse-style experience with thousands of records across genres like rock, metal, punk, hip-hop, Latin, and jazz. Its organized layout, knowledgeable staff, and lounge for live performances make it a top spot for crate-diggers seeking both new and vintage vinyl.
2. Inner Groove Records – Collingswood
Inner Groove Records focuses on quality used vinyl, with a curated selection spanning rock, old-school rap, and more. They also reissue rare classics and host events like Record Store Day, making this South Jersey shop a community hub for vinyl enthusiasts.
3. Scotti’s Record Shop – Summit
A fixture since 1956, Scotti’s Record Shop exudes nostalgia with its bright, welcoming vibe. Offering thousands of records and CDs across all genres, plus a discount bin for deals, Scotti’s also buys used vinyl and sells stereo equipment, catering to a wide range of music lovers.
4. Randy Now’s Man Cave – Hightstown
A true gem for music lovers, Randy Now’s Man Cave in Hightstown is dubbed “the coolest store in NJ.” Opened in 2022 by Randy Ellis, a former promoter for Trenton’s legendary City Gardens, this shop offers a solid collection of vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and memorabilia.
Beyond its inventory, the store transforms into an intimate concert venue at night, hosting bands with sell-out crowds. With fair pricing, nostalgic novelties like Charles Chips and blue cream sodas, and Randy’s extensive music knowledge, this spot is a haven for collectors and families alike. [Ref web ID: 4, 9, 15]
5. Tunes – Hoboken
Tunes in Hoboken is a media collector’s paradise, offering vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and video games. With a buy-sell-trade model, this North Jersey favorite also hosts events like Record Store Day, attracting collectors looking to expand their collections in a vibrant setting.
6. Rhythm Central – Jersey City Heights
For nearly nine years, Rhythm Central has served Jersey City Heights with a diverse selection of jazz, Latin, rock, soul, salsa, and disco records at affordable prices. The store also buys used records and CDs, making it a welcoming spot for vinyl enthusiasts.
7. Jack’s Music Shoppe – Red Bank
Frequented by icons like Bruce Springsteen, Jack’s Music Shoppe offers a stellar collection of vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and Stone Pony merchandise. Its long-standing history and dedication to music culture make it a must-visit in Red Bank.
8. Princeton Record Exchange – Princeton
Since 1975, Princeton Record Exchange has been a cornerstone for vinyl lovers, with over 100,000 LPs, CDs, and DVDs in stock. Known for competitive pricing and a vast inventory, this store draws collectors from around the world to browse its stacks.
9. Revilla Grooves and Gear – Milltown
Revilla Grooves and Gear is a vinyl enthusiast’s dream, offering clean, sensibly priced records in genres like jazz, blues, funk, punk, and reggae. They also buy entire collections and sell vintage audio equipment, perfect for those hunting rare finds in great condition.
10. The Rock Shop – Mays Landing
Located on the top floor of the Hamilton Mall, The Rock Shop features an impressive collection of vinyl, CDs, cassettes, turntables, and music memorabilia. From T-shirts to imported pressings, this store keeps the Jersey Shore’s music scene thriving with its diverse offerings.
A Vinyl Renaissance in New Jersey
Vinyl’s resurgence, which saw sales surpass CDs in the U.S. by 2020, has revitalized New Jersey’s independent record stores.
Despite challenges like the closure of iconic shops such as Vintage Vinyl in Fords in 2021, these top 10 stores—plus the bonus gem for 80s alternative collectors, Randy Now’s Man Cave—continue to thrive by preserving music history, fostering community, and offering unique experiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to vinyl, New Jersey’s vintage record stores have something special waiting for you.
