Vinyl Making a Comeback at New Bedford Record Store

Growing up during the dawn of the compact disc era, I never could have dreamed that 40 years later there would be a thirst for the sound of vinyl, but that is exactly what is happening in the world of music.

The often-used slogan "everything old is new again" is proven to be true once again. You can't even pin the vinyl resurgence on nostalgia, since the bulk of vinyl sales are coming from young people in their teens and twenties.

It seems as if in a world of unlimited digital media, a population of Gen Z'ers prefer to own physical media. New Bedford is no different than the rest of the country, with record shops popping up all over the SouthCoast.

Record High Vinyl and Music, located inside the Kilburn Mill in New Bedford, has quickly become a go-to spot for local music lovers. Owner Todd Foy said the surge in vinyl popularity is driven by more than just music.

Why Vinyl Records Are Trending Again

Foy said many customers are drawn to the full experience that vinyl offers. "From the artwork and inserts to the overall production quality, records give fans something tangible that streaming cannot match," he said.

READ MORE: Record High Opens in New Bedford's Kilburn Mill

Some customers even collect records before owning a record player. Foy recalled one customer who spent hundreds of dollars building a collection before eventually buying a turntable and diving fully into vinyl listening.

What Makes Record High Unique

One thing that sets Record High apart is how the shop organizes its inventory. Instead of sorting by genre, records are arranged alphabetically by artist. This encourages customers to explore and discover new music as they browse.

Foy also adds notes to certain albums, helping customers connect unfamiliar artists to sounds they already enjoy. It is a simple idea that has helped introduce older music to a new generation of listeners.

The shop carries a mix of new releases and used records, from artists like Taylor Swift to classic names like Fleetwood Mac.

Are Vinyl Records Worth Money?

Vinyl records can be valuable, but Foy said it often comes down to what someone is willing to pay in the moment. While rare records can sell for high prices online, his focus is on keeping music accessible and getting records back into people’s hands.

"It is not just about selling records," he said. "It is about helping people reconnect with music in a more personal and meaningful way."