Record shops are the height of retro cool and where better to snap up vinyl than on the Isle of Wight?

The industry celebrated its 14th consecutive year of growth in 2021 and records are flying off the shelves and onto our turntables - which these days come with helpful USB connections and built-in speakers.

  • Scroll down to see eight Isle of Wight record shops to visit...

According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), more than 5 million vinyl LPs were sold last year.

It made 2021 the biggest year for record sales in three decades.

Whether its for latest releases or preloved gems, the savvy shopper can be be found hunting through boxes of records, which range in price according to their condition.

  • Have we missed any? Tell us your recommendations. Email editor@iwcp.co.uk

The Isle of Wight boasts perfect places to lose yourself among classic artwork and decades of music development.

Here are eight Isle of Wight record stores to while away a few hours, as you search for your favourite 7", EP, or LP... 

AAA Records

Find it: Scarrots Lane, Newport, PO30 1JP

AAA Records is located on Scarrots Lane and boasts a massive load of singles and LPs.

The shop's special local bands section is a nice surprise. Find records from the likes of Paul Armfield and Panda Swim, among others.

It is incredibly popular with collectors and has even hinted that signings and outstore events (that's when a record shop owner hosts a show in another venue) could be on the way.

Little Camden Market

Find it: 44 Regent Street, Shanklin

Vintage clothing (so you can dress like your favourite music era) and a wide selection of vinyl records in this popular shop on Regent Street, Shanklin. Truly the epitome of retro, Little Camden Market promises a mixture of “new and vintage clothing, vinyl records” plus “much more.”

Oxfam Music and Books

Find it: St Thomas Square, Newport, PO30 1SN

A large collection of vinyl (as well as books, sheet music and CDs) in a specialist shop in the Isle of Wight's main town, with the helpful bonus that sales raise vital charity cash. Sorted into genre, spend an hour at Oxfam Music and Books checking out some popular favourites and some rare finds.

Rainy Days

Find it: Royal Victoria Arcade, Union Street, Ryde

Could this be the Island's best kept secret when it comes to vinyl? Rainy Days is tucked away inside Victoria Arcade, Ryde. There is specialist knowledge and something to please everyone!

Reggie’s Retro

Find it: 5 Pier St, Ventnor PO38 1ST

A sure-fire favourite in Ventnor, Reggie’s Retro sells new and used vinyl. There's occasional instore entertainment and music merch, too.

Sounds + Grounds

Find it: 12 Birmingham Road, Cowes, PO31 7BH

Is Sounds and Grounds a record shop selling coffee, or a coffee shop selling records? Honestly, we don't need to define this brand new business - pop down and decide for yourself! There is everything from jazz to pop in this pooch-friendly, chilled-out, family-run store. Cassettes and books are also sold and there are some amazing original posters to admire.

That Shop

Find it: 38 High St, Cowes PO31 7RS

Maybe you know That Shop on Cowes High Street as the place to buy LEGO figures. Walk past the collectible little people (if you can) and head to the back of the shop for a huge collection of records. Rare finds sit above the rest and you'll even find signed gems and non-UK Beatles releases.

Ventnor Exchange

Find it: 11 Church Street, Ventnor, PO38 1SW

Ventnor Exchange on Church Street is the place to go for new vinyl, especially on Record Store Day, whether it’s for the new album by Harry Styles, or the latest limited edition release. In December, Wet Leg recorded their NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert in the shop, proving Ventnor Exchange is one of the coolest record stores on the Isle of Wight.