Chicago, Illinois Mar 4, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - We Buy Records Chicago, a key player in the city’s thriving vinyl community, is celebrating its five-year anniversary in 2025. Since its founding, the store has witnessed firsthand the evolving landscape of record collecting, from an increased demand for classic genres to a surge in family-driven vinyl discovery.
A Business Born from Passion and Family
We Buy Records Chicago was founded by Andy Noble and Brian Cote, both longtime record collectors who realized their informal record-dealing businesses needed to evolve as they started families. "We had to get more serious about what we were doing," Noble recalls. "We also wanted to cover as much ground as possible in and around Chicago, knowing there were incredible record collections to uncover across Illinois and Indiana."
The timing of the store’s launch presented unexpected challenges and opportunities. "Just as we were about to open our retail store, COVID hit. We had to pivot immediately," says Noble. While many other buyers stopped purchasing records during the pandemic, We Buy Records adapted by making outdoor and garage purchases. This shift unearthed countless hidden collections as people cleaned out their attics and basements while stuck at home. "COVID was a mixed bag, but it also led to a boom in vinyl resurfacing," he adds.
Vinyl as a Generational Bridge
One of the most striking trends over the past five years has been the rise of intergenerational vinyl collecting. "We've seen a huge increase in father-daughter and mother-son pairs coming into the store together," says Noble. "It’s clear that the pandemic helped create entire vinyl-collecting families, and that the love of records is something that bridges generations through classic sounds."
What’s Hot in Chicago’s Vinyl Scene?
The Chicago vinyl market has remained largely stable, but certain trends have emerged. "Classic Rock is very much back," says Noble. "It wasn’t in high demand five years ago, but it’s now a staple again." Meanwhile, rare psychedelic rock, jazz, and R&B - especially rare R&B 45s - remain strongholds of the collector’s market.
Newer genres are also making waves. "Underground ‘80s and ‘90s alternative and hip-hop are rising in demand almost daily," he notes. "We’re also seeing younger buyers who first got into records through modern artists like Juice WRLD or new emo releases—some of them will stick with vinyl and eventually start exploring older music as well."
Looking Ahead: The Next Five Years
As We Buy Records enters its next chapter, it aims to keep expanding and diversifying its offerings. "We’re not just about vinyl anymore—we’re getting into vintage stereo gear, and we think CDs and tapes are about to have a resurgence," says Noble. "They’re low-value now, but demand is growing."
With its commitment to preserving music history, serving collectors, and adapting to shifting trends, We Buy Records Chicago is poised to remain a cornerstone of the city’s music scene for years to come.
About We Buy Records
We Buy Records Chicago specializes in buying and selling vinyl records across a range of genres. Founded in 2020, the store has built a reputation for discovering rare and unique collections, serving both serious collectors and casual music lovers alike.
Contact Information:
Andy Noble / Brian Cote
We Buy Records Chicago
10233 W. Roosevelt Road, Westchester, IL
Phone: (312) 500-4546
Email: contact@webuyrecordsusa.com
Website: webuyrecordsusa.com
Media Contact
We Buy Records Chicago contact@webuyrecordsusa.com 312-500-4546 10233 W. Roosevelt Road http://www.webuyrecordsusa.com
