I stopped by here to search for some hard to find LPs. Been searching for a cheaper album by The…read moreSundays, but unfortunately couldn't find any. The staff was helpful, though, and suggested that I check out second-hand stores since the stuff I was looking for is already out of print! Selections here are still pretty good. I was able to find some rare records such as Joy Divison and New Order. Stuff you can't find in America. The record store sells mostly pricey brand new LPs, but CDs are still affordable.

I'm one of those people that loves the streaming aspect of digital media, but also miss perusing…read morestores like Tower Records for music, movies and books. When we stumbled into Fopp in Covent Garden, I was immediately in love. Not only did they have a ton of vinyl, band tees and movies on display, they had an impressive selection of really great books at super reasonable prices. I ended up picking up a copy of A Clockwork Orange and American Psycho on the cheap - something that I've been wanting, but now had no excuse. There are multiple floors to explore. Though it's on the smaller side, it still packs a punch!

Discretely tucked away at the entrance of Camberwell New Road (Camberwell Green entrance), there…read morehides a little treat for record geeks. When you first see the faded blue and yellow sign that simply says "CDs", you could almost be forgiven for mistaking the second-hand record store Rat Records with the cheapo discount stores that stock multiple variations on 80's hits compilations, or "Songs That Your Nan Used To Sing"; but, as you will find out, one shouldn't be so dismissive. Having known Camberwell for quite sometime now, Rat Records has become a little perk every time I visit. Although the décor doesn't really dispel the myth of the faded sign, and perhaps you could say it is a little "cosy" at best; if you are willing to invest some time rummaging through the broad selection of honestly priced vinyls, you will soon find something that will turn these "quirks" into "nice little character traits". In true audiophile fashion, albums are neatly filed under handy sub-genre based headings, such as; "UK Psychedelia", "US Indie", "Hip-Hop", "Classic Rock", "Jazz", and so on. However, despite the sign's invitation, Rat Record's selection of CD albums is somewhat limited. I think it's also worth a mention that, if you're like me and like to "try before you buy", be sure to have £10 to pay the deposit to borrow the headphones. Barring these factors, Rat Records makes for an excellent little store; you may also want to try your luck selling them some of your own old records, as thet always seem interested to see what you've got.

Awesome place. I knew as soon as I walked in that this place rocked. You better love vinyl. Even if…read moreyou don't have a turntable though, there is a great selection of used CD's. My only gripe about Rat Records is the size. It could take up a shop at least twice the size. The guys behind the counter are super cool. The prices are great. I knew when I walked in and saw the B-52s, Michelle Shocked, The Who and The Jam straight away that this place was the real deal. I left my CD collection back in the States. I will re-build it with the help of Rat Records. You guys rock.

Absolutely disgusting, do NOT buy anything from these people. They are vile the lot of them, they…read moretalk to customers like they are nothing. I had a preorder that I paid for in cash. The item arrived damaged 3 or 4 days late. They tried to be awkward by refusing to refund me & only refund me by debit card. I told them they are NOT having my card details & it was absolutely absurd, at this point the manager Ross from Coventry HMV store started being abusive making accusatory comments about the tone in my voice. I have autism & I don't feel I was rude in any way. I was trying to state a fact which was misinterpreted as me being rude. The only time I was rude to HMV was when I was provoked. I've experienced discrimination as well with the staff making inappropriate comments about the way I was dressed which I felt isn't relevant & completely inappropriate. I do think stores like HMV unfortunately abuse vulnerable customers because they think they can get away with it. Their customer services via phone is absolutely awful & very unhelpful. I would urge anyone, simply don't do business with them at all, they don't care about you as the customer. They don't deserve any customers at all with they treated me.

I visited the store on 12/13 September 2011. It is located about 1500 meters from Bayswater Station…read moreon London's Underground. My only other experience with HMV in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada which used to be a Virgin Megastore (one of Sir Robert Branson's spinoffs). So, by comparison, this store is about 1/4 the size of the Vancouver location. The staff appear pretty friendly and helpful without being overbearing. They allow you to walk in the store and to get your bearing before chiming in with their "Can I help you..." mantra. The store is laid out as most music stores with CD's sorted by genre and alphabetized within the genre. The selection of DVD and Bluray is smaller than I expected. Additionally, some of the staff is not familiar with the region coding issues that can occur when you buy DVD media in countries other than those you reside. They do, however, seem to understand PAL vs. NTSC. Unlike it's Vancouver counterpart, it did not have as many accessories for music players (but this is probably because of the small size). The music is not played loudly and the lighting is adequate so the store atmosphere is pleasant. There is not an abundance of over-advertising of movies or music as I would have expected as I have seen in other non-HMV stores. Converting British Pounds to the US/Canadian dollar, there were actually many cheaper products than buying them in the US/Canada. Hopefully, the store is still there when I make my next trip to London as I will do my homework on movies and such to determine if I can play purchases on my home system.

Visiting from out of town, the set up to this place is unique, only cds on the floor and all the…read morevinyl is behind the counter. I also walked in a minute from closing time at 6pm, and thought I might buy a shirt, but was rudely told that they were closed. Will spend my money elsewhere like Reckless Records who are open until 7pm. Cheers!

Sister Ray is a super cool record store (and conveniently down the street from a few other great…read morerecord stores). My vinyl crazed husband spent some good time in here. So first, this is a two-story store with vinyl downstairs and CDs upstairs. The downstairs is IMPRESSIVELY organized, which just tickled my fancy because I love it when things are organized. All of the sleeves are empty - the records are kept behind the counter downstairs. And even when you walk up with a stack of records, the organization is so good that they can easily locate all of the albums you wish you wish to purchase in a flash. The staff was great and friendly and they really knew their music too. The young man helping us had a deep discussion with my husband about some artists I don't know. It was a really good stop. And bonus points for the cool vintage cassettes painted on the stairwell.

Video City is a classic Notting Hill shop. It's unassuming from the outside but clearly spectacular…read moreon the inside. Movies are arranged by genre or country - I was impressed when I found my favorite movie ever, Le cercle rouge, in plain sight. The selection is huge thanks to a downstairs storage room. I was let down by the rental policy: you need an account to rent, and you need a credit or debit card to set up an account. I didn't have any plastic cards with me, so I was unable to rent. But I was able to purchase City of God as they accept cash for purchases, so all is well. It's nice to be able to rent DVDs like we all used to.

Don't let its size fool you - Video City has the best selection of films around. They have a…read moreparticularly amazing stock of foreign and independent films, but you can also find your everyday blockbusters or dumb 80s favourites (both rentals and for purchase). This little shop is worshipped by locals and for good reason - the staff, unbelievably knowledgeable, remembers faces and runs the place like a friendly, neighbourhood pub. They'll have a chat and are happy to order anything you'd like (in the film genre of course). Film/dvd rental shops are a dying breed, and it takes a gem like Video City to stay alive.

My local Waterstone's is hit and miss. Both when it comes to having books in stock and when it…read morecomes to having knowledgable and/or helpful staff on hand. However, they're always very friendly and the prices aren't terrible for a chain store. I'm glad that there's still a bookstore in the area at all!