Sarah Grace Meyn

With vinyl’s resurgence among teens and young adults, independent record stores have experienced a boost in sales. However, these stores continue to struggle to compete with the convenience and selection offered by big-box retailers, which often stock the popular new albums that younger audiences seek.
To support independent stores, record labels are now hosting exclusive album listening parties at local shops to drive more foot traffic. Record stores can sign up to receive promotional materials and host listening events for newly released albums. Typically held on the release date, these events feature the full album being played in-store, with fans invited to purchase exclusive products, receive freebies, and enter contests to win prizes, such as signed albums or merchandise.
The albums featured are primarily pop releases, attracting younger fans who may be visiting the store for the first time. While giveaways are a major draw, many fans attend simply for the experience of enjoying the album with fellow listeners. As the music plays, customers are encouraged to browse and explore the store’s offerings.
Maynard’s Music, an independently owned record store in Ocean Springs, is one of the few shops in southeast Mississippi hosting these listening parties. Store owner Matthew Comstock noted that pop music fans appreciate this unique offering, which is not common in many traditional record stores.
“It gets people in, and people really enjoy that I cater to their music,” Comstock said. “There’s just not a lot of stores that cater to every kind of music, you know, and that’s what I strive to do, have something for everybody.”
These events offer a mutually beneficial arrangement for everyone involved. Record labels and artists gain exposure as fans share their experiences on social media. Fans enjoy the chance to participate in a unique event, while record stores see increased foot traffic. The renewed interest in physical music benefits the industry, even on a small scale.