March 21, 2026
The records and lps market in Tennessee serves a broad range of buyers. Opening a record store in Tennessee requires completing the same business registration steps as any other retail operation in the state. New owners must register through the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP) at tntap.tn.gov and then pay a $15 registration fee to their local county or city clerk to obtain a business license before beginning operations. Tennessee’s state sales tax rate of 7% applies to retail sales of vinyl records, compact discs, and related music merchandise. Local option sales taxes may increase the effective rate depending on the jurisdiction. Businesses operating in multiple locations must obtain a separate license for each site. The Department of Revenue provides online registration guidance and accepts initial filings electronically through TNTAP, making the setup process accessible for new small business owners.
Few states can match Tennessee’s connection to recorded music, and that heritage translates directly into one of the nation’s strongest vinyl and LP retail markets. Tennessee holds a singular place in American music history, and that legacy supports a robust market for vinyl records and long-playing albums (LPs) across the state. Nashville’s recording industry has an annual economic impact exceeding $10 billion on the regional economy, according to the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. Memphis gave birth to rock and roll and rhythm and blues at studios like Sun Studio, creating a deep catalog of historically significant recordings that collectors continue to seek out. Record Store Day, an annual event that celebrates independent record stores globally, consistently draws large crowds to Tennessee shops. Independent record stores throughout the state stock a broad range of genres, from classic country and blues to punk, jazz, and independent releases from local artists.
Vinyl album sales in the United States grew for the eighteenth consecutive year in 2024, reaching $1.4 billion in revenue and outselling CDs in unit terms for the third straight year. The vinyl record market has experienced sustained growth over the past two decades, driven by collectors, audiophiles, and younger listeners drawn to the format’s tactile appeal and warm analog sound. In the United States, vinyl album sales grew for the eighteenth consecutive year in 2024, with revenues reaching $1.4 billion according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). For the third consecutive year, vinyl albums outsold compact discs in unit terms, with approximately 44 million vinyl albums sold versus 33 million CDs. Used record dealers in Tennessee benefit from established legal frameworks governing resale: the First Sale Doctrine under 17 U.S.C. § 109 permits the resale of lawfully purchased sound recordings without additional licensing, enabling a thriving secondhand vinyl market that supports dozens of independent shops statewide.
The records and LPs market in Tennessee occupies a singular position thanks to the state’s unmatched musical heritage, and shoppers who understand pressing quality, grading standards, and regional inventory strengths navigate it most effectively. Tennessee’s record stores serve collectors, casual listeners, and music tourists who visit the state specifically to dig through crates at storied local shops. Memphis and Nashville draw international visitors seeking rare pressings connected to the cities’ musical histories, from original Sun Records 45s to vintage country and soul releases. Knoxville supports multiple independent record retailers catering to the university community and longtime collectors in East Tennessee. Many Tennessee record stores host in-store performances, release events, and listening parties that build community around physical music formats. These events generate foot traffic and cultivate customer loyalty at a time when streaming services dominate casual listening habits but cannot replicate the discovery experience of browsing a well-curated record store. Vinyl surface inspection for scratches, warps, and groove wear indicates a used record’s playback quality, and the matrix number in the dead wax area, when cross-referenced against Discogs.com listings, identifies the specific pressing and its associated audio quality characteristics.
Top Records & LPs Providers in Tennessee
Grimey’s New & Preloved Music
- Address: 1060 East Trinity Lane, Nashville, TN 37216
- Phone: (615) 226-3811
- Website: https://www.grimeys.com
- Description: Grimey’s New and Preloved Music is a well-regarded independent record store in East Nashville stocking new and used vinyl, compact discs, cassettes, and music books. The shop has been recognized as Best Record Store in Nashville by the Nashville Scene and participates annually in Record Store Day events.
Shangri-La Records
- Address: 1916 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
- Phone: (901) 274-1916
- Website: https://shangri.com
- Description: Shangri-La Records has operated in Midtown Memphis since 1988 and specializes in buying, selling, and trading vinyl LPs, 45s, 78s, compact discs, books, sheet music, and music memorabilia. Rolling Stone has named it among the top 30 record stores in America, and it serves as a hub for Memphis’s independent music community.
Goner Records
- Address: 2152 Young Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
- Phone: (901) 722-0095
- Website: https://goner-records.com
- Description: Goner Records opened its Memphis storefront in 2004 and carries new and used vinyl with a particular focus on Memphis punk, garage rock, and independent releases on its own Goner Records label. The store hosts Gonerfest, an annual four-day music festival each September that draws artists and collectors from across the country.
Lost and Found Records
- Address: 3710 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917
- Phone: (865) 687-5556
- Website: https://www.lostandfoundrecordstore.com
- Description: Lost and Found Records has served the Knoxville music community since 1990, specializing in new and used vinyl records, compact discs, and cassette tapes. The store is locally owned and operated and is particularly known for its inventory of out-of-print records and willingness to purchase whole collections from sellers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a directory of independent record stores in Tennessee?
Record Store Day maintains an official store locator that includes participating independent record stores organized by state and city. Tennessee has multiple participating locations in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and other cities. The locator includes addresses, phone numbers, and links to store websites. Collectors can also use Discogs, the online marketplace for physical music formats, to identify local sellers and shops. Visit https://recordstoreday.com/Stores
Does Tennessee charge sales tax on vinyl records and LPs?
Yes. Tennessee’s statewide sales tax rate of 7% applies to retail sales of vinyl records, LPs, compact discs, and related music merchandise. County and municipal governments may impose additional local option taxes, which can raise the combined rate to 9.75% or higher depending on the location. There are no general exemptions for music recordings under Tennessee’s sales tax code. Shoppers who purchase records at in-person events or markets should confirm whether the seller is collecting the appropriate tax. For specific questions, contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue at (615) 253-0600
Is there a Tennessee law that addresses the resale of used vinyl records?
The primary legal framework governing used record sales is federal, not state-specific. The First Sale Doctrine, codified at the federal level, establishes that retailers and individuals may resell lawfully purchased physical copies of sound recordings without requiring permission from the original copyright holder. Tennessee does not impose additional licensing requirements specific to the resale of used music recordings. Retailers should ensure that the copies they sell were lawfully manufactured and purchased, as counterfeit pressings fall outside this protection under Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 39-14-152
What national organization advocates for independent record stores?
The Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS) is a buying cooperative and advocacy organization that represents independent record retailers across the United States. Members gain access to exclusive product releases, coordinated marketing campaigns, and relationships with major and independent record labels. Several Tennessee record stores participate in CIMS or similar regional coalitions. Record Store Day, a separate but related initiative, also advocates for the independent record store format and organizes exclusive vinyl releases each year to drive customers into participating shops, which is the Coalition of Independent Music Stores
Where can I learn more about the history of vinyl records and their legal protections?
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) publishes annual revenue and market data for the U.S. recorded music industry, including detailed breakdowns of vinyl LP sales, streaming performance, and physical format trends. The RIAA also maintains resources on copyright enforcement and the legal framework protecting sound recordings. Their annual Year-End Revenue Statistics reports are publicly available and serve as the authoritative source for vinyl market data cited by retailers, journalists, and policymakers. Visit https://www.riaa.com/reports/
How do I register a new record store in Tennessee?
New record store owners register for business tax through the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP), then pay the $15 registration fee to the local county or city clerk for each physical location. Businesses with gross annual receipts of $100,000 or above must obtain a Standard Business License and file a business tax return annually. Those with lower revenues may qualify for a Minimal Activity License at the same $15 fee. The Tennessee Department of Revenue answers registration questions at (615) 253-0600
What return policies apply to vinyl records and LPs purchased in Tennessee?
Return policies for vinyl records vary between independent record shops and larger retailers. Most independent record stores in Tennessee accept returns of sealed, unopened records within 7 to 14 days with a receipt, but opened records are generally non-returnable because the vinyl’s condition cannot be verified once the shrink wrap is removed. Large retailers such as Target and Walmart typically allow returns of sealed records within 30 days. Used records sold at independent shops are almost always final sale, though reputable dealers will exchange a used record that was misgraded, for example, a record sold as “Near Mint” that plays with significant surface noise or visible scratches. New vinyl records that arrive warped, with off-center pressings, or with pressing defects such as non-fill or excessive surface noise are eligible for replacement through the record label or distributor; buyers should contact the label directly with the catalog number, a description of the defect, and proof of purchase. Tennessee buyers who purchase records sold under misleading condition descriptions, such as a used record falsely marketed as sealed, may file a complaint under TCA § 47-18-104 with the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs.