Record Store Day has reported its largest ever event with sales up 25% on 2025 and record-breaking footfall at independent retailers.
Independent record shops across the UK and Ireland celebrated Record Store Day on Saturday (April 18) with limited edition exclusives from labels on offer.
More than 300 independent record shops took part in the UK & Ireland edition, hosting live performances, signings, DJ sets and special events to mark the occasion.
Many record shops collaborated with fellow retailers on their high streets including coffee shops, restaurants, pubs and community centres, as well as collecting donations for local charities.
Kim Bayley, CEO of the digital entertainment and retail association, ERA, which organises RSD on behalf of independent record shops, said: “This year’s Record Store Day demonstrated as never before the emerging role of record shops as cultural hubs on the high street, bringing together music fans across generations and breathing new life into town centres. Congratulations to all the shops who took part and thanks to all the artists, labels, sponsors and countless other partners who made it possible.”
Thousands of cross-generational vinyl collectors began queuing from the day before to purchase the 500 special limited-edition releases. Many shops reported that queues were still there late into Saturday afternoon.
This year’s Record Store Day demonstrated the emerging role of record shops as cultural hubs on the high street
Kim Bayley
Slow Century Records took part in their first Record Store Day.
"Our first ever Record Store Day was phenomenal, we had a blast,” said owner John Ellis. “We had no idea how it would all pan out on the day, thankfully the day was a massive success and great for the wider high street too. We had music all over the high street in all sorts of venues from opening at 8am until 11pm, our own IPA in the bar two doors down. We were extremely fortunate to have support from BBC Radio Birmingham too!’
Resident Music, Brighton saw their largest crowds in 2026.
Owner Natasha Youngs said: “The Saturday itself beat all previous years in terms of attendance and sales. The RSD weather gods took good care of us again and the sunshine added to a brilliantly buzzy day of fulfilled wish-lists, shared fandom, laughter, new friendships, live music, artist signings, DJ sets and general good vibes. The days following the event have also been insanely busy, with our highest ever post-RSD sales in-store. And then the online after-party delivered another bumper boost to sales.”
Sister Ray, Soho has participated in Record Store Day every year since 2008.
Owner Phil Barton said: “Busy, busy, busier than ever. RSD once again brought the party to a packed Soho. Everyone benefits from RSD. Us, the other record stores, the community and the other businesses that embrace our day as their own.”
Record Store Day partners included BBC 6 Music, Bowers & Wilkins, Breed Media, Jack Daniel’s, Jubel, Lagom, Metropolis, Tribe and War Child.
Next year will see Record Store Day mark the 20th anniversary of the independent record shop event.
PHOTO: Resident Music (credit: Mike Burnell)
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