Physical media is back in 2025. Purchasing vinyl, CDs and tapes is a perfect way to support both your favorite artists and local businesses.

I’ve been collecting vinyl records for the past two years. The only thing I love more than kicking back in my room and listening to my favorite albums is the act of going into a record store, flipping through all the possibilities and bonding over shared tastes with strangers.

Whether you’re brand new to collecting music or you’re looking for new recommendations, these are a few of my go-to spots around the Kansas City area that I think you’ll like too.

Sister Anne’s Records and Coffee

Sister Anne’s is one of my favorite places on the planet. I feel like I’m cheating when I buy music somewhere else. You can grab a beverage and a pastry and peruse their stock of vinyl, CDs, tapes and other cool stuff. If you’re into punk and metal, you have to check this place out. I’ve found some of my favorite records and CDs that I haven’t been able to find anywhere else. I’ve also found some solid classics to fill the blank spaces in my collection.

The people there are awesome. I’m talking employees and other people who hang around. There’s always someone cool and knowledgeable to talk to. There’s always some cool album playing over the speakers. You likely won’t find the latest in pop, but there’s plenty of rock, hip-hop, blues, jazz and things along those lines. There are also plenty of EPs and singles to choose from by up-and-coming local musicians.

Mills Record Company

Mills has a nice and diverse selection of music to choose from across all genres. If you want to get into record collecting, Mills might be a good place to start. You can buy a record player and find a combination of your favorite new releases, obscure picks and popular classics.

Mills also sells books and other fun things. My walls are decorated with their $1 postcards.

It’s A Beautiful Day

It’s A Beautiful Day might be Nirvana for Grateful Dead fans. The room towards the back of the store is full of music in various forms and genres as well as cool posters and magazines. The rest of the store has band tees, hemp pants, incense, accessories and novelty items. I found some of my favorite records there, from Ratt to The Rolling Stones.