We decided to stay local this Record Store Day, an event each year where artists release exclusive, collector vinyl that can only be purchased in local record shops. For this event, the store was open with extended hours starting at 8am. We arrived early to have a good spot in line with other record connoisseurs. Upon opening, the staff came out to welcome everyone who had waited hours for opening and thanked each of us. When we got inside, my dad and I were able to browse through the RSD collections in nicely alphabetized bins. The event was nicely organized and patrons were filed in calmly and quickly. We were able to get everything we had hoped to purchase for RSD-- and more. It was truly such a great time, and my dad and I enjoyed making memories at this event together. While inside, we had the honor of talking to Charlie behind the counter. He is truly the face of Variety Records making us feel welcome, sharing his knowledge for not only Vinyl but the ins-and-outs of Record Store Day, and managing to still converse with each customer during what I would assume to be their busiest day of the year. He was fabulous and even remembered us the next time we came in the shop. They have a wide variety of new, used, and new-vintage vinyl records and cds. We left with seven albums combined and both found things we were excited to listen to. We will be back soon! read more

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A must visit if you're a record collector! Located on Columbia's square, this record shop has a ton of variety, from punk to big band, and some rare finds too! The shop owner is friendly and helpful, and helped me find what I was looking for. The store is well organized and easy to navigate too. I'll definitely revisit Variety Records next time I'm in Columbia. read more

What a great find. I went there with my granddaughter and had no idea this was here. (I need to get out more) The owner was not only personable with a warm personality, but knowledgeable. When I asked for a record title I had never heard of (for my granddaughter), he immediately named the band. The prices were so reasonable. I love this place and will be going back (on my own). read more

Love, love, LOVE this shop and the owner Charlie! Such great selection and great people, and even if they don't have something in store, they are more than likely able to order it online for you (probably only if it's still pressing). I've definitely spent more than I need to here, and I'm not mad because every purchase has been worth it! Charlie is super helpful and kind, and I always have a good experience in Variety. Over half of my collection is from this place. They have vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs, soundtracks, record players, and much more. Definitely need to head here again and get myself a jazz record to put on while studying (and order Imaginal Disk by Magdalena Bay). 100% RECOMMENDED!!! read more

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One of the last real record stores in the country. Good prices, great selection, and the vibe is deep.

Great selection at a reasonable price. Staff is top notch. 1000% I will be here a lot. Their website needs updating so just visit the store. You won't be disappointed read more

Good people - great vinyl selection ... knowledgeable and friendly! Great place to buy and sell.

Definitely fate to walk into this store last Saturday. I had driven to the area for dinner with friends. The song on the radio playing was "Nearly Lost You" by the Screaming Trees. When I walked in, I found on display the soundtrack for "Singles" and immediately snatched it up. The man working was knowledgeable and excited to share about Pink Floyd with the customer in front me. Love the vibe of the store. If you find yourself on Nashville, venture south and stop in there. read more

I've walked by this gem a dozen times and finally went in. I had an idea of what I was looking for but wasn't sure how to find it. The gentleman at the counter was kind, attentive and listened beyond what I was saying. He walked over to a little spot and said "I've got what you're looking for!" We walked over to the listening station and he rest was history. My sons love music and I wanted to introduce them to some classics. I left with Johnny Mathis, Jackie Gleason, Elvis Presley and a little Dirty Dancing for Mom. I love this shop and we will definitely come back for more! read more

i love this store and Charlie the owner,he loves to chat and is so kind and i've easily spent $100+ there.i just dont have a reason to not come back. im just obsessed with this store,it's my home away from home.great for teens or for a fun place to go for anyone who likes ANY music. read more

Very wide selection of records and the man who works the place is very kind! Prices are reasonable and I will absolutely be returning!

After years of shopping many a record shop, from So Cal to TN, Variety Records is at the top of the list. The owner is a human treasure, amidst his collection of vinyl treasure. read more

Fun record store on Public Square in Columbia. Definitely on the smaller side, so you're not likely to hang out here too long, but the prices are reasonable, and they had an okay selection of vinyl when I was there. Cute shop, but you don't need to go out of your way! read more

Variety Records - a record shop sign in black and white - Music Venues Near Me - Columbia, Tennessee

What a cool guy and a cool little shop! Fun easy vibe, great prices, good selection and an atmosphere you want to be a part of. Super excited to score this beauty! We will definitely be back. read more

Variety Records - a man holding a vinyl album - Music Venues Near Me - Columbia, Tennessee

A quite wonderful somewhat hidden gem in the small town of Columbia, this town square based record store will remind you of yesteryear and the record stores of old, if you are fortunate enough to have been around during those days. Staff was super friendly, and it is amazing what they are able to have in this store considering the location and the perceived appreciation for music on vinyl in such a small town. I love that this place exists. This store also has a very rich history, and this is a return of a store that once kept Columbia rocking as far back as the 1960's. Visit this record store/time portal and enjoy yourself and take home some great music! read more

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Charlie is the best. He knows his niche of record players and all the history/mechanics of them. He helped me understand an old record player I inherited and taught me so much. Thankful for experts like him! read more

Summary: Not a good choice for a serious collector. I happened upon the store while taking a day "out and about" where I found myself exploring Columbia. I was surprised to see a vinyl store at all, let alone on the town square, so I stopped my travels to investigate. The store has a rather small overall selection and the prices are 20-25% (on average) higher than value for what I saw in stock. Some were really overpriced like a Corey Hart album that was well more than 100% above fair value for the disc. Bottom line: If you can't find something somewhere else, try this place; be ready to spend more than you should be spending. read more

Very cool record store that fits in nicely with the square. Has a nice seating area or shops close by for the rest of your party while you flip through all the records. read more

I'm a listener and not a collector. I enjoy going in and just seeing what I can dig up in the bins. I don't know if this would be the place for you if you're a serious collector though. I just enjoy going in browsing. I've bought several albums from here and have never had a problem. Some albums seem to be a bit over priced, but it's nice to have a place like this in Columbia. They also have nights where they have live bands come in, which is cool too. It's worth a visit! read more

Love it. Every needs to go to Variety Records

If you have an appreciation for quality, service and the eclectic then Variety is a place to visit. The atmosphere is electric and the people are great. Totally relaxed. If you catch them on a night when live music is being played I highly recommend it. You will hear some wonderful sounds and some incredible artists. read more