Homer's Record Stores

Homer's Music & Gifts in downtown Omaha carries new and used CDs and vinyl, with selection at the heart of the business. In our interview, we discuss how the shop keeps its stock relevant, what a fair offer for a collection looks like, and why an online asking price can give sellers the wrong idea about a record's value.

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Interview with Homer's Record Stores

Homer's has one of the region's deepest selections, tight aisles packed to the ceiling — how did the shop build up a stock that serious collectors drive hours for?

We have pursued selection as our guiding philosophy for 55 years. Having all those years' history and a point-of-sale system that contains all sales since 1991 makes a big difference. We work really hard to keep the selection robust and adaptable to current trends as well.

You're especially strong in metal, punk and independent rock — how did those become Homer's calling cards?

We feel the same about pop music, country, folk and jazz, but you are correct. It's those categories that sell the most. Omaha has always been known as a hard rock town and, with Saddle Creek's help, an indie rock city. Staffers contribute quite a bit as they actively attend live shows. A number of our staff over the years have also been radio DJs, including myself and Marq.

Omaha's a real music town — who comes through Homer's, and how's the local scene?

We are downtown and near a number of venues, so we get a lot of artists shopping the store. Just about every week, someone is in the store. We have great venues. There are a number of choices every night for a variety of music genres. The local scene is vibrant, and there are a number of venues in town that book national and local artists.

What's the most valuable or surprising record that's come through the door?

Usually, it's a limited edition of something, a private press obscure release, a first pressing of a jazz or blues release, or a rare import.

You're known for actually researching a collection rather than making a quick lowball — what does a thorough, fair evaluation look like from your side of the counter?

We pay approx. 1/3 of what we feel is the value. We're upfront about that. While 10% of the collection will sell quickly, 1/2 of it will still be in the store a year later, so we are trying to be fair to customer and also to the store. Sometimes we will tell the owner that rather than give him a bid on an unusual collection, give it to us and we will check it in, which will likely result in owner getting more than if we just bid on it.

Roughly what does a common record fetch versus something you're genuinely excited to buy?

One to three dollars vs. over $10.

Past the LPs, do 45s and 78s still earn shelf space, and is there a seller who tends to bring the good singles in?

We have more 45s than we can hope to sell. Everyone had them, and our best-selling 45 rpm price point is 25 cents. We have some 78s, but we don't buy them. Used cassettes and 8-tracks do well.

What do people most often overvalue about their records — and what quietly sells better than they expect?

They are researching eBay and looking at what sellers are posting vs. looking at completed sales. Discogs is helpful. Christmas music is big seller.

Last updated: 2026-09-05

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