My Take on Record Stores in China
A lot of people have asked me if I could make some videos visiting or recommending record stores, especially ones in China. Honestly, it’s an idea I’ve had for a long time, but a few issues have kept it stuck in the planning stage. So I figured I’d take this chance to share some thoughts on record stores in China in general.
Personally, my ideal type of record store is still something like HMV or Tower Records — those big chain stores. They’re convenient because I can grab new releases, check out the latest news or info about upcoming drops, and even browse some fun merch — all in one spot. That kind of one-stop-shop experience is pretty ideal. To me, the most important function of a record store is simple: it should have records. Lots of them. New stuff, second-hand, all kinds. It should be constantly restocking and keeping up with what’s hot. And it needs a big enough inventory to support regular sales. That kind of store serves a clear purpose, and I don’t think it’s something that can be easily replaced.
Of course, there are also a lot of small, carefully curated record shops out there — the kind that focus on niche genres or specialize in vintage pressings. Compared to the colder, more commercial vibe of big chain stores, these places feel a lot more personal and human. The atmosphere tends to be warmer, and it’s easier to find people with similar taste. Whether it’s the owner, the staff, or other customers, everyone’s kind of on the same wavelength, and the records become this shared language. These kinds of shops, for me, serve more of a spiritual purpose than a purely practical one — they’re not just about scratching a shopping itch, but more about connecting with something or someone. They're doing something different, and they’re not meant to replace the big stores.
That said, there’s a third type of record store — one that’s pretty divisive but has its share of diehard supporters — that I just can’t get behind. I call them "gatekeeper shops." These stores usually have a very specific taste, and both the owners and staff are often super passionate and knowledgeable about music. But with that comes a lack of openness. If you’re into music they don’t rate or don’t personally enjoy, they won’t hide their disdain. They tend to size up every customer’s “taste” the moment they walk in. If you match their vibe, they’ll talk to you like an equal. If not, they’ll ignore you or treat you with thinly veiled contempt. Cold stares, one-word answers, zero patience — it’s a vibe. Basically, they’ve built a mental hierarchy of “good” and “bad” music, and if you’re digging in what they see as the basement of that pyramid, they’ll feel this weird superiority and maybe even act like it’s their mission to "save" your taste. That whole attitude — the judgment, the elitism, the savior complex — just makes me really uncomfortable.
I’ve always felt that no matter what kind of store it is, and no matter how much of a “music authority” the owner thinks they are, a record store is still a business. And if you’re running a business, there’s a basic level of decency and responsibility you need to uphold. I really hate it when people use excuses like “I’m just doing this for fun” or “it’s just a passion project” to cover up for being a bad shop owner. I’ve personally experienced being treated differently in a store just because I picked up a record the owner didn’t like. Out of curiosity, I asked him — “If you don’t even like this record, why do you have it in your store? Are you giving it away for free?” He scoffed and said no, of course it’s for sale — that running a store costs money. But that logic just doesn’t sit right with me. If you need to make money off a record you look down on — and the customer buying it — then how can you still turn your nose up at either of them? If you truly hate the record, just don’t stock it. Or wait until you’re off the clock before you go off about how much you hate it. To me, this whole “I need to sell it but I’m still gonna trash it” mindset isn’t cool — it’s hypocritical.
Sadly, the reality in China is that the kind of store I dream about probably isn’t going to exist. And most of the small, independent shops I’ve seen tend to eventually slide into that gatekeeping vibe — whether it’s by choice or just because of the tough environment they’re operating in. It’s hard to strike a real balance. I’ve visited a ton of stores, but I still haven’t found the right way to document or talk about that experience.
All I can really say is: music isn’t a hierarchy. Listening to music shouldn’t be some kind of taste test where you’re being judged or “educated.” If going to a record store means I’m gonna get a lecture just for buying what I like, I’d honestly rather just shop online and enjoy it in peace.
