Rough TradeYour Destination for Vinyl, CDs, Books, and More!4.1 out of 5
4.1 out of 5
Hot take
Rough Trade is an iconic indie music retailer and cultural hub with a near 50-year legacy, celebrated for its deep catalog of vinyl, CDs, books, and merch. With flagship locations in the UK and two bustling stores in New York’s Rockefeller Center, Rough Trade blends classic record shopping with live performances, making it a pilgrimage spot for music lovers. The website offers a curated selection, Record Store Day exclusives, and pre-orders, appealing to collectors and newcomers alike. While the nostalgic in-store experience is hard to match online, some users find pricing on exclusives steep, and availability can be hit-or-miss after major drops. Still, Rough Trade keeps the spirit of independent music retail alive and well, making it a standout choice for serious crate-diggers.
How was this take was created?
Pros
Legendary reputation with deep catalog
Physical stores with strong community and event focus
Regularly stocks exclusive releases for Record Store Day
Supports independent and underground music scenes
Engaging live venue setup at some locations
Seamless US and UK presence
Cons
Prices on exclusives can be high
Stock availability fluctuates, especially after major events
Website doesn’t fully replicate the unique in-store vibe
Shipping and import fees can add up for international buyers
Key Features
Online and physical retail for vinyl, CDs, books, and merch
Live music venues in select stores
Record Store Day exclusives and pre-orders
Curated selections for music discovery
US and UK store integration
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