Barnes &amp; Noble Booksellers

Conveniently located in downtown Champaign near the Illinois Terminal (Amtrak, MTD buses) and a…read morestone's throw from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, Exile on Main Street has a fantastic selection of new and previously loved vinyl, CDs, cassette tapes, and more. I recently met the owner, Jeff Brandt, at the store while my partner was on the hunt for Taylor Swift and Charli XCX vinyls. Jeff was immediately attentive and we struck up conversations about Taylor Swift, the positives and areas of improvement downtown Champaign could use, the area's history as a musical mecca, and much more. It was easy to see how much love and sweat equity he's put into the community and the store. An adjacent vintage store has closed but Exile regularly hosts pop-ups, underscoring its community-first vibes. When you're looking for vinyl finds, skip online, Target and chains and support institutions like Exile on Main!

This is the THE record store to visit in Champaign-Urbana. Yeah, there's Record Swap if you want…read moreused classic rock or See You Vinyl with their dozens of records, but Exile is the place to be. The store itself has an interesting layout that promotes exploration and discovery. There's a nice mix of used and new vinyl, (mostly used) CDs, and even some cassettes and VHS tapes. I'd say Exile's strengths are all things indie, major artists from the 90s onward, classic rock, and a bunch of niche stuff. I like to find reissues of 90s and 00s electronic stuff there, and they typically stock new jazz releases from Blue Note and some of the other big labels (not a huge selection, but everything they have is good). Of course, this is just my perception. You'll find each genre well represented. If you don't see what you want, the owner is happy to get it for you. He's a great guy with a deep knowledge of music. He actually has a whole section that he's selling from his personal collection, which is an interesting category. It's like a bunch of great titles that have been out of circulation for a long time. Overall, this is a fun place to find good music. Check it out.

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In the court of the crimson king on the record floor !

Parasol

4.0(1 review)

2.2 mi

While I'm not an indie fan, my girlfriend is. (When I introduced her to Parasol, she wanted to move…read moreinto their hard-to-find storefront-slash-warehouse.) I don't know much about the label or mail order business at all, but I can safely say that Parasol's storefront carries the best, and extremely well-edited, selection in town for indie and punk vinyl, CDs, and DVDs. Just the latter alone! You can buy the Kill Rock Stars Video Fanzine III, live performances from Coachella, and documentaries about freestyling, K Records, or even that one about early California hardcore, which features far too much footage of TSOL. There are also bins full of seven-inches, and a decent-sized collection of $1 vinyl and CDs. Much time could be successfully killed here. Anywhere I can buy the A-Frames Black Forest LP, and peruse seemingly endless back issues of Mojo, is aces in my book. They'll also special order anything you want, which means that I won't have to save my shopping list for trips to Chicago's Reckless!

From the owner: Record shop, record store, vinyl records, CDs, music magazines, DVDs , Blu-Rays, CD replication and…read moreprinting.

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See You CD & Vinyl

4.2(6 reviews)

2.3 mi

Came through in my way to Chicago, decent selection and good prices. They used the small space very…read morewell and had a very chill aesthetic. Jesse was very nice and recommended a new album based off what I liked. He was very nice and humble and it was easy to talk to him. I will be coming back! -Cy

This review is about my experience, plus constructive feedback that can be used to make this shop…read morebetter. While I love digging through the stacks at local record shops, I have experienced much better. I've been through quite a number of fantastic record stores in my lifetime, so I have expectations on how a record store should be (even for smaller and newer shops that may just be starting out). I root for local record stores and encourage them to do their best. I've been here, Record Swap, and Exile, and I find Record Swap is the best one. Let me start off by saying I did leave with the purchase of two records today. The shop wasn't terrible, but I do think it was lacking a bit. I understand building up a quality stock takes time, but given the amount of time this store had been around, I expected just a little more. Some selections are spot on with the prices, while other selections aren't worth the $5+ as they look like they've been pulled from thrift stores and $1 bins elsewhere. The layout of the store was decent for the size space, but how the stock was "organized" was honestly a bit of a choppy mess. For the size store, I'd honestly shrink down the "new arrivals" spot significantly and put the items where they're supposed to go. This will make browsing so much smoother (only bring in a bigger new arrivals spot when you've got much more merchandise coming in). Do away with the boards you've got taking up a wall. You may have a passion about them, but they don't belong in a record store, nor will people use Google to look you up if they're in the market for a board... it's just not expected to be found in that type of store. Use that space for more music merchandise, which is expected to be found in this store. Move your cash register to the bar that was built into the spot. This makes the extra merchandise ready for sale behind bar moved to another spot and easier to get to. These are just some of the key changes that could made to make this shop 100x better, instead of adding injury to your name, and will help you take off.

Rosa waiting for y'all to swing through and receive her pets!

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Record Swap

3.5(20 reviews)

2.5 mi

•$$$

Be careful if you are taking things in to sell. Be VERY careful. Not the best place to sell things…read more In fact, a BAD place. The buyers, though, will find almost everything they are looking for. Usually, the prices are good. But forget about the "swap" part. A very uneven playing field that.

I was incredibly impressed with the selection of new vinyl, and the selection of vintage vinyl was…read morepretty good too. Staff seemed friendly and polite, everything was clean and organized. The issue is the pricing. I prefer to buy in a store and support independent record stores and small businesses. I have my limits though. Not sure how he can get away with charging 20-300% more than other sellers. My record store day I bought for $26 he had for $45, my RSD I got for 35 he had for 50. The Zappa broadcast I bought for $8 new sealed he wanted $40 for, another I got for $13 sealed he wanted $40 as well. Most the vintage vinyl was worth half what it was priced at. I know you've got to pay the rent and I know prices are higher brick and mortar, but why are your prices higher than stores in downtown Chicago? Highest priced store I've ever been to, and I'm a traveler, I go to a LOT of record stores. I could have easily bought a couple dozen albums if they were even 20% cheaper, but I left with nothing and very sad that I had to pass on so much good stuff. I guess you can build a pretty epic collection if you don't price things to actually sell...Went online and bought what I wanted for 30-50% less than he wanted. Didn't feel good about it, but I'm not going to be ripped off just to support indie record stores...

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Disc Replay Champaign

3.2(6 reviews)

0.9 mi

Just walking into the store throws you into a fit of nostalgia. The staff is always super friendly…read moreand always willing to help out. Highly recommend!

Not a bad store, except that it is nearly impossible to even get someone to look your direction…read more The selection is what you would expect for a place that buys from people. It is inconsistent, but you can also find some pretty cool things. Prices are not bad and they often have deals if you buy multiple items. I would say that they are better for movies than anything else; it is a pretty vast selection. It can be crowded and a bit messy. It seems like the employees are most of the problem here. The shelves can be really out of order and I have seen many times when the same item was listed at multiple different prices or had gunk and other stickers all over it. If you are patient and do not mind doing all the work yourself you can find decent deals; just be prepared to wait ages for anyone to help with things you cannot reach yourself.

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Record Service

5.0(1 review)

1.9 mi

I used to go here at least once a week to check out new music. As I'd climb the stairs from Green…read moreStreet, they'd always have something cool playing, with the jacket displayed at the counter. Checking through the bargain bins one day in 1975, I found a copy of Buckingham Nicks for a couple bucks. I'd been going through Fleetwood Mac withdrawals with no new albums, so I bought it. Another time, the sound of Chameleon greeted me, and I just had to buy Herbie Hancock's groundbreaking Headhunters album, take it home and learn the keyboard parts. Record Factory workers were always on top of new releases and bands, and could always direct you to what you were looking for. I suspect they've kept that work ethic into the CD era. Highly recommended.

Old Book Barn

3.7(15 reviews)

40.3 mi

My husband and I had read an adulatory article about the store and the many thousands of books…read morethere, so we traveled up from St. Louis to take a look. The thousands of books were there, all right, but in a building that smells overwhelmingly of mold. I don't know whether it's from a roof leak or a flood, or whether they have just bought a lot of smelly books, but my husband and I both stank of mold even after we left, and I was coughing. I didn't find much of a selection of unusual or uncommon books to tempt me, and the layout of the place is very strange. I couldn't find mystery books for over ten minutes. They were hidden away in a corner, and given far less prominence than romance or inspirational books. Even if I found out that the mold problem had been solved, it's not likely we would return.

Don't let any negative reviews steer you away from this place, it's great!!! I was in-town…read moreovernight, and specifically looking for guitar tablature books. While they didn't have much, I did find their music section, and got a great book on the old ACE Records label. However, the best part of the experience was Lori, the owner (I believe). She was SO HELPFUL!!! I asked about her usual stock, and she was totally willing to have an in-depth conversation with me about various subjects. Also, when I went to check out, and told her that I was in town for a concert, she reached into a drawer, and pulled out an information sheet recommending restaurants for dinner, breakfast and coffee places. She even gave me some of her own, and some advice on where else to look for good used books!! Other than the concert itself, it was the highlight of my trip there. Thank you Lori!!!

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Found in Old Book Barn

Bobzbay Books

4.3(30 reviews)

46.3 mi

This shop is New York-level. Impressive selection, eclectic and eye-catching decor, wonderful…read morearray of art (including local artists), utterly charming atmosphere. If it were in the Village, I'm sure I'd be going all the time. The folks behind it have impeccable taste, and their hearts are clearly in the right place. I wish them much success.

This bookstore is amazing! The staff is always so friendly and they have a huge variety of books to…read moresuit every reader! I love how they rotate their displays every few weeks as well! One of my favorite bookstores :)

Postcard depicting the store

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Positively 4th Street Records

4.3(12 reviews)

45.2 mi

This store has absolutely everything you need and mores my first time visit I was primarily…read moreupstairs getting EIU gear. I didn't really check out the rest of the store. This time was a different story. I walked don't the entire first floor and boy was I surprised! They have sage, crystals, jewelry, dream catchers, Greek supplies, tshirts, posters, records, etc. I really can go on and on. This store meets both your spiritual needs and eiu swag needs lol. Service was great. I had question about some crystals. The young man working let me know he didn't know much about crystals but his girlfriend did and she would at work the next day. I went the next day and she surely knew about crystals. She answered all of my questions and more. I really like this store! And everything is reasonably priced.

if ur looking for some crystals they definitely have them, also lots of records and incense ^_^read more

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North Street Records

4.9(21 reviews)

47.1 mi

Great independent music or record stores are getting harder to find. It often will be in a college…read moretown when you come across it. North Street Records is in such a town. Hard to find records and other artifacts. The staff certainly knows a lot about what they have, and will help find something. As in places like this, the music is the main thing of course. It has a lot to look through. They, as the name implies, specialize in vinyl. Great place to find more popular artists. Or more obscure. Also despite the name they also have other forms of music such as CDs. These like the records also are obsolete so might as well have these. Has a big collection of new and old items. It seems most people come in and just look around, but some people actually buy something. The main thing is the vinyl.

I talked with Jeff. He's a really knowledgeable cool human. I felt he offered fair prices for the…read morerecords I brought in...my childhood memories. He's honest with you. Which I find commendable. He is responsible in recycling, reusing, up-cycling records that can't be used anymore. I had a really great experience. I do need to say the I know nothing about records...but I can imagine he has an amazing selection.

Welcome

Inside

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Back room display of lovely vinyl.

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3 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Xinran Z.

Elite 21

76

330

153

12 years ago

Never really read books but went to get magazine before.

Jenny S.

40

81

55

16 years ago

Not as nice as the one in Springfield, IL but its nice.

David K.

0

28

0

16 years ago

Books, Magazines, and a cafe.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers - toys - Updated September 2026

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This old building is filled top to bottom with books look closer and you will find some nic knacks…read more It gives you the feeling of exploring your Grandma house with multiple floors of treasures it even has that unique smell. Please don't rush thru this treasure trove because you might miss something

Anyone who knows me, knows I love a bookstore and this one was so cute! It was across the street…read morefrom the hotel we were staying in and I knew I had to stop in. You could lose yourself for hours in this place! Multiple floors and so many books. I personally loved the top floor front room to just chill in. Everyone could find something they would like in this place! I would have bought so many except I didn't have any space left in my suitcase to come home.

Priceless Books

4.2

(13 reviews)

Every university town requires a shambly old bookstore with overflowing shelves whispering wisps of…read morearcana to all who pass its portal. This is Urbana's. My favorite thing about this particular emporium of tomes, though, is that the kindly gentleman who owns it is a dead ringer for a beloved childhood fictional character, Professor Branestawm.

The best part of used bookstores is the element of serendipity. I find books I have loved that I…read morenever knew existed, and would never have known to search for them. New bookstores, in my view, are very limited in scope -- the owner has a particular taste, majority of titles (not counting classics) have been published in the last 1-5 years, from major publishing houses, almost everything has been on the NYT besteller's list. Very little element of surprise, few hidden gems. Used bookstores have so much more serendipity, so many hidden gems, so much more variety. And Priceless Books has this element of used bookstores, but twice as much as any other used bookstore I've been to. And I've been to a lot! On every road trip, if I'm just passing through, I check out their used bookstores. This one's special. Yes, it's messy and there's piles of books on the floor blocking the path (definitely not a wheelchair friendly store). Yes, you have to crane your neck to view titles up on the shelf. Yes, the store clerk is not gregarious (but does have a twinkle in his eye). But it's worth it! I have found so many books that my here that my life feels more complete having read them, and I never would have known of them if not for this store. This can be said of many a used book store, but Priceless Books just has more of it, and it's something special.

Orphans Treasure Box

4.3

(6 reviews)

Orphan's Treasure Box is wonderful little local store to find resale books for all kinds of…read moreoccasions. The store on Pioneer Street in Champaign has a homey, peaceful charm. Book lovers will enjoy going in and browsing for gift ideas or just for their own personal benefit. The staff is very helpful and pretty knowledgeable considering the wide variety of choices available. The mission of this place is such an important one: helping children in need in various ways. Hooray for an old-fashioned gem like this!

I only know for starters that their shipping was FAST! My order was delivered in good order. I'm…read morehappy to find them and will use them again. Wish I could visit this little store and fill up a grab bag. Thank you for great service.

Titan Games

4.5

(22 reviews)

Focused heavily on tabletop games, I've been in a couple of times while in town. The staff has…read morealways been incredibly helpful, and particularly patient when with my kid who's still getting into TCGs. I've driven ~1hr out of my way to visit them, supporting an excellent local business that complements the CU area.

I walked through the shop. Looked like a great place to play game. Had great selection of demo…read moregames you can play before you buy. Great selection of games, miniature, paint and paint supplies. I would return if I lived in Illinois.

Ollie's Bargain Outlet

4.1

(7 reviews)

Plenty of discounted items to choose from in all kinds of categories…read moreNormally the staff is very friendly and helpful, however today the cashier, a rather large woman, was a bit rude to a man in front of me in line trying to make a return\nTo

The next big in neighborhood savings. Ollie is an economical outlet with most name brands at great…read morediscounted prices. The cashier was courteous and helpful.

Enchantment Alley

4.4

(8 reviews)

•$$$

Friendly folks, and smells great if you like incense. One note, though - the only games they carry…read moreat this point are collectible card games. Oh, well...

I saw the place while out and went in looking for a specific miniature for D&D. The inside is very…read morenice and the play area is set up well. The staff were all very helpful and quick to offer assistance. They didn't have the mini I was looking for but I will definitely be back.

Exile on Main Street

4.1

(34 reviews)

Conveniently located in downtown Champaign near the Illinois Terminal (Amtrak, MTD buses) and a…read morestone's throw from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, Exile on Main Street has a fantastic selection of new and previously loved vinyl, CDs, cassette tapes, and more. I recently met the owner, Jeff Brandt, at the store while my partner was on the hunt for Taylor Swift and Charli XCX vinyls. Jeff was immediately attentive and we struck up conversations about Taylor Swift, the positives and areas of improvement downtown Champaign could use, the area's history as a musical mecca, and much more. It was easy to see how much love and sweat equity he's put into the community and the store. An adjacent vintage store has closed but Exile regularly hosts pop-ups, underscoring its community-first vibes. When you're looking for vinyl finds, skip online, Target and chains and support institutions like Exile on Main!

This is the THE record store to visit in Champaign-Urbana. Yeah, there's Record Swap if you want…read moreused classic rock or See You Vinyl with their dozens of records, but Exile is the place to be. The store itself has an interesting layout that promotes exploration and discovery. There's a nice mix of used and new vinyl, (mostly used) CDs, and even some cassettes and VHS tapes. I'd say Exile's strengths are all things indie, major artists from the 90s onward, classic rock, and a bunch of niche stuff. I like to find reissues of 90s and 00s electronic stuff there, and they typically stock new jazz releases from Blue Note and some of the other big labels (not a huge selection, but everything they have is good). Of course, this is just my perception. You'll find each genre well represented. If you don't see what you want, the owner is happy to get it for you. He's a great guy with a deep knowledge of music. He actually has a whole section that he's selling from his personal collection, which is an interesting category. It's like a bunch of great titles that have been out of circulation for a long time. Overall, this is a fun place to find good music. Check it out.

Record Swap

3.5

(20 reviews)

•$$$

Be careful if you are taking things in to sell. Be VERY careful. Not the best place to sell things…read more In fact, a BAD place. The buyers, though, will find almost everything they are looking for. Usually, the prices are good. But forget about the "swap" part. A very uneven playing field that.

I was incredibly impressed with the selection of new vinyl, and the selection of vintage vinyl was…read morepretty good too. Staff seemed friendly and polite, everything was clean and organized. The issue is the pricing. I prefer to buy in a store and support independent record stores and small businesses. I have my limits though. Not sure how he can get away with charging 20-300% more than other sellers. My record store day I bought for $26 he had for $45, my RSD I got for 35 he had for 50. The Zappa broadcast I bought for $8 new sealed he wanted $40 for, another I got for $13 sealed he wanted $40 as well. Most the vintage vinyl was worth half what it was priced at. I know you've got to pay the rent and I know prices are higher brick and mortar, but why are your prices higher than stores in downtown Chicago? Highest priced store I've ever been to, and I'm a traveler, I go to a LOT of record stores. I could have easily bought a couple dozen albums if they were even 20% cheaper, but I left with nothing and very sad that I had to pass on so much good stuff. I guess you can build a pretty epic collection if you don't price things to actually sell...Went online and bought what I wanted for 30-50% less than he wanted. Didn't feel good about it, but I'm not going to be ripped off just to support indie record stores...

pOpshelf

5.0

(3 reviews)

This is easily becoming one of my favorite stores to visit. I look for one in whatever city I'm…read moretraveling in. They have such a vast variety of items to look at from beauty products, to toys, to snacks, to art supplies, to home decor. I'm personally obsessed with their seasonal displays right when you walk in. I find something to buy every single time I go in a PopShelf. And you simply can't beat the prices. Most things are under $10. The staff is always friendly and helpful, too!

I've never seen one of these PopShelf stores, but I was going to Target for some things for a new…read moreapartment and since I had 20 minutes before closing, I popped in here first! Wow!! I spent $80 on items that would have cost $120 at Target!! I scored 3 super cute light blankets for my bed, a candle, plus regular stuff like washing machine liquid, soda, and unusual brands of snacks!! It's like a combo of Michael's, Ulta, and a quirky grocery store! Juri, the check out person, took great care of me and promised I wasn't holding up their closing routine. I checked out about 6:55, minutes before 7 pm close. But she never complained and was so friendly! I'll definitely make this a regular stop. It was way more fun and interesting than next-door Target.

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