We mapped Toronto record stores. Here are 12 to help you keep the music going.

A handy guide for vinyl lovers in the city.

No, physical music isn’t dead.

While streaming numbers far outpace vinyl and CD sales, physical media has made a bit of a comeback in recent days. In fact, vinyl sales have been growing for 16 consecutive years.

In 2021, vinyl accounted for 43 per cent of music sales revenue in the U.S. That easily beat out digital downloads, which dropped to just three per cent.

Luckily for Torontonian audiophiles, their city boasts a ton of independent record stores of all different sizes and with different focuses. From tiny hole-in-the-wall spots specializing in just one genre to local chains with multiple locations in the Greater Toronto Area, there’s something for every music lover.

Here are 12 independent record stores in Toronto to check out.

Sonic Boom is one of Toronto’s most popular record stores, and you can find just about anything at their multi-level spot in Chinatown. On the first floor, you’ll find a collection of new releases and recently arrived used vinyl, while the cavernous downstairs plays host to rows and rows of records of every conceivable genre.

Across the street from Sonic Boom, on the lower level of Chinatown Centre, is Invisible City, a music label, record shop, and DJ equipment store. While they’ve also got a deep online catalogue, Invisible City’s brick and mortar location is an essential spot for rare and funky records. Their curated section of funk, soca, and island soul is unparalleled in the city.

Play De Record opened in 1990 and has long been a staple for music lovers, record collectors, and DJs. The narrow store is stocked to the brim with everything from vintage hip hop to top 40 hits. Recently the subject of the documentary Drop the Needle, the iconic store used to be on Yonge St., close to where Sam the Record Man was.

Half café and half record store, Antikka on Queen West has a smaller, curated section of vinyl. Antikka’s café also specializes in Armenian coffee and hosts live music events, making it a must-visit for those who love both music and caffeine.

Kops has been a record collector’s dream since the ’70s. With large locations on Queen West and the Danforth (and a third location in Oshawa), Kops is home to tons of new and vintage vinyl.

Both locations have walls that are packed to the brim with LPs of every genre, as well as a sizable collection of pre-owned records and rare vintage Japanese pressings.

With locations across the city, Dead Dog doesn’t have the biggest spaces, but they’re still well-stocked with both new and pre-owned albums. Aside from vinyl records, you can also browse Dead Dog’s wide selection of memorabilia and band tees.

Tonality is located on the first floor of a house on Dundas West. The store specializes in new and used records. They also sell independently released vinyl from artists and labels that are difficult to track down elsewhere, as well as vintage turntable and speaker equipment.

Rotate This, one of Toronto’s oldest record stores, has been situated at its current Ossington location since 2016.

The front part of the store is adorned with new releases from floor to ceiling. Alphabetized bins stocked with music for every listener — including tons of indie rock, hip hop, and pop music — line the store’s perimeter.

In the middle of the store, customers can find a healthy collection of used records, inviting them to dig through for their next favorite LP.

Cosmos has two locations: a flagship store (though still quite small) between Bathurst and Portland, and a sister store specializing in soul and Latin music just down the street off of Palmerston.

With 25 years in business, Cosmos Records is Toronto’s go-to shop for hard-to-find releases and the perfect place to discover something new.

After shutting down their larger locations on Queen West and further east on Dundas West, Shortstack now lives in an itty-bitty spot across from Trinity Bellwoods. Aside from stocking tons of pre-owned vinyl, Shortstack is also a well-known place to sell your records.

Pop Music is home to all the most sought-after new releases, licensed band tees, and collectibles. The small-but-mighty store’s calling card is their knowledgeable staff, who can point you in the direction of something you’ll love.

Additionally, Pop’s online store is a reliable place to pre-order upcoming releases and browse a wide catalogue of new vinyl.

True to its name, the Tiny Record Shop is a small Leslieville store that specializes in rare ’90s vinyl. Located at the back of Token gift shop, the shop’s stock is curated by the owner of local indie label Paper Bag Records.

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