I started my CD collection a couple years ago and Repo has supplied me with so many great finds…read moreover the years! When you walk in there are hundreds, if not thousands, of records to choose from. Admittedly, I often don't look at the records, but it seems that their organization is done by genre then alphabetical. And if you are looking for tapes, they are across from the register mounted on the wall of the record section. They have the largest collection of sealed tapes I've ever found! Further back in the store they have their CD section. I knocked off a star since I would LOVE if they gave the same attention to the CDs as they do to the records. They did some rearranging recently of the back section of the store and it was such a downgrade for us CD lovers. Instead of them being separated by genre, they are mostly all thrown together and then in alphabetical order. They are also in a display that makes it hard to easily scan through each one. Before, they had them so it was super easy to scan the display and read all the labels placed at the top of the package. I would LOVE if they brought their old display back. In the back section they also have store merch, used CDs, posters, and some vintage tees. They also used to sell artwork of damages LPs, but I have't seen that in awhile so I'm not sure they do that anymore.

Great selection in here. One of the only shops I've ever seen that actually has a shoegaze section…read more Tons of cool finds and rare pressings I had to restrain myself

Top ten, perhaps five record store for me in the US - considering their punk, hardcore, and metal…read moreinventory, paired with very reasonable pricing. Managed to find multiple records that I "needed" which is not very normal, as I have a pretty extensive collection going down. Trying to make this a routine stop when visiting Philadelphia.

One of the best record stores in phila. Although the Hardcore, punk, metal selection you find on…read morethe walls, recently traded bins, and new stock will outshine any other store in phila, this is maybe the place finding and being traded the best LPs and 7inches of most genres In the city. Owners are great people and more knowledgeable than most so don't hesitate to ask for a suggestion.

Rounding up to a "4" because of the great deals I snagged during my stop in as well as the solid+…read morecustomer service. For me, "3" is good, "4" is great, and "5" is "excellent/perfect" so in actuality on an average day I feel Vinyl Alter is probably a 3 for the most part--totally solid. I was in town as a tourist and as a vinyl hound I try to hit a few shops in any new city. However, as I flew in, I knew my bag could only handle so many LPs for the flight back. So noticing a metal-centric record shop online--I knew that would be my one vinyl stop. Directions here (walking from a nearish bus stop) were somewhat confusing as it kept trying to populate the destination with the name of another business. Upon arriving I realized why--there appear to be 3 different businesses in the same building, all intermingled together: a card/table top gaming store, a lengthy rack of records for an "underground" record store, and a long rack of metal records and corner display (plus wall art some for sale) marking what is actually "Vinyl Altar". I had hoped for a full on, top to bottom metal shop with the music blasting, etc. But no worries--there are a ton of great metal records for sale, new and used. There are ticket stubs and backstage passes plus posters from prior tours for sale, very cool. An actual "vinyl altar" in the back corner that was truly metal. And best of all for me, a one-day only sale was going on that made every new metal LP I purchased HALF PRICE. I snagged some limited edition LPs from kickass bands (Crypt Sermon, Cliteratti, etc.) for 10-14 bucks a pop! You cannot beat that. Friendly service, cool overall shop, would stop back in if I lived in the area. While I wished for a pilgrimage worthy metal shop, I understand it's sometimes necessary to combine forces to remain open in the brick and mortar avenues these days so I'm happy these folks are still here and hope they remain.

The best place to buy metal records in the city! They have a great selection and can order stuff if…read morethey don't have it

Came here during a pit stop in Philly. The set up is kind of a garage / warehouse. It was extremely…read morehot the day we came and they put the fan on which helped but definitely something to be mindful of if you're someone who likes to crate dig for hours. They have a massive inventory of records and are still working on getting things organized. Very of the records are in protective sleeve and many of them were just in okay condition. I got two decent records for $7 I look forward to revisiting the store in the future once the sections are more organized and the high quality vinyl is easier to find. If you're a local, it's definitely worth checking out now though.

still no refund…read more after writing this negative review they offered a full refund. I messaged them back and they never responded and never refunded either. 0 stars

I loved my visit to The Book Trader. My brother is local to the area and suggested we pop by this…read morebookshop for a visit because they have a shop cat! I met him immediately upon entering the store, as he was sitting right near the door. His name is Dr. Pickles and he is just as lovely as the shop he calls home. The shop itself is well organized and has so many niche categories to browse and appreciate. As the shop's name suggests, they have ample signage outlining the rules and guidelines for trading with them. As a bonus, the shop (and Dr. Pickles!) are active on Instagram sharing the latest that's up with the shop. I am absolutely planning on returning to this shop during my next trip to Philadelphia.

The Book Trader is one of my favorite bookstores in Philly[1]. It's well-lit and has quite a stock…read moreof books, mostly used, but some new. They've also got records, old postcards, and I think I spotted a tote. To me, it felt *generally* organized inside, but YMMV, right? Bring your old books in to trade - read their policies on their site: https://www.phillybooktrader.com/menu - and while you're there, search for deals. The more books you buy, the more you'll save. Find them in Old City, convenient to the 2nd Street SEPTA subway stop. [1] There's a shop cat here! The famous Dr. Pickles is usually taking a catnap, so respect their space. Meow.

I really don't like doing this, but sometimes it has to happen. My experience here was not good. I…read morelive in west Philly and as a collector of all things vtg 1950's, I was excited to take a new (to me) 1950's record player to the record shop to inquire about repairs. The person I purchased from told me it needed a new needle. Whether or not that's true I'll never know. The associate who helped me the day I dropped the player off was not the issue. They took a look at it, told me I needed to pay $20 for labor, and said they'd call me when they had a chance to look it over. I told the employee that I'd be willing to pay upwards of $150 to have it working because it was in really great shape cosmetically, and I WAS thrilled to have found it and bought it. It was beautiful..Money was not an issue, because this thing meant something to me. I was very vocal about this when I dropped it off. 2-3 weeks went by and I got a call. The person I spoke to was not the same person I handed the player over to. They told me that it was too complicated to fix and "not worth their time and effort." I Found that comment to be a dismissive, but whatever, they don't want to do it, that's fine, I wasn't mad. I told the person over the phone that I would be by to pick it up. Conversation ended. That week I stopped by the record shop to get it, and the person I spoke to on the phone was there. I know this because he told me he threw it away. The entire time we are having this exchange, he doesn't once look up from whatever it is he was reading or writing or whatever, all I knew in that moment was that a complete stranger was informing me that he had trashed my property, in a " I give zero fucks," kinda way. No eye contact, and no apology. It's like I was bothering him when I asked why they would do something like this after I told them I was coming to pick it up. His response was "that's not how I recall our conversation going." I am a west Philly nanny and had the babes I care for with me, so I calmly closed the door that day, but have felt livid ever since. I really try not to think about it, but its pretty impossible when I'm still waiting for a response to the email I sent them. I'll spare you the details about how painful this feels to have something that's irreplaceable, and gorgeous, just thrown away, especially because they advertize as A RECORD REPAIR SHOP..I really thought they might give a suit about what they do but it defineitly doesn't seem that's way. The careless employee who trashed my record player actually said out loud that I told them I didn't want it. WHAT! Considering he couldn't take one second to look up at me while telling me he trashed my property, doesn't bode well for someone trying to claim they were paying attention to the conversation In the first place. Take accountability! Apologize, or at the very least respond to my message on your website. Really wish I had gotten that dudes name, but I will be looking into that, and will update. I asked them to refund me the $20 and pay me the cost of the player. That's $70 It's not like I'm asking for a lot here, But like I said, they chose to do absolutely nothing other than take my money and destroy my property. I've been chatting w people in my community and it's seems this place has a reputation, and it's not pretty. If you want repairs done, look elsewhere. I sent the email to the record shop like two months ago. I waited and waited and waited before coming here. They literally left me co other choice.

BEST RECORD STORE in PHILADELPHIA HANDS DOWN! Not only did I receive excellent service, but the…read morefemale co-owner was incredibly informed without talking to me like I know nothing about sound systems (which I really don't). A black and white cat hung out in the store (gotta love a record store cat) while she informed me about the system that would work best in my apartment. I went home and tried to put the speakers/turntable together on my own...as mentioned, my brain doesn't work well with technology. Something wasn't right. I called the store to ask for help, and the (female) co-owner CAME OVER TO MY HOUSE (I live 2 blocks from the store) to help me trouble shoot the issue. Turns out, I had not connected the power cable from the speakers to the turn table. (slapping forehead) I nearly hugged her. What a wonderful human being. I CANNOT RECOMMEND THEM ENOUGH. Thank you, Common Beat. You literally rock!

We ventured in as we are avid vinyl collectors. I was not too fond of the customer service upon…read morewalking in. I noticed the levels of positive energy and greetings seemed to be very selective dependent upon who was coming in the store. Initially I thought the staff person may not have been friendly until I saw him engage with others with very upbeat and friendly energy. His persona gave a little condescending and rude when asked by select customers about various artists. The selections were limited based around what I was looking for, but interesting nonetheless. Heads up things are super unorganized and may require some digging. And if you ask about a particular artist you'll get the snarky response "it's not a cd store". I did locate one album at a really great price point. That was a steal! Unfortunately I will never return to this location.

If you're a record collector and you're in Fishtown, then this place is worth a stop! An eclectic…read moremix of music, with some great values to be found. A chill vibe that allows you to take your time and go through the racks of records.

Excellent bookstore with used books that are diamonds and vinyl that is gold…read more Family business. In the heart of Little Italy. Excellent experience here. Friendly service. Good value. Signed and collectable editions.

Friendly service, great selection of classic vinyl and books, and reasonably priced items. I didn't…read moreget to see the cat everyone seems to be raving about the though :(