Euclid Records

Euclid Records has enough history behind it that the answers naturally read less like a quick shop survey and more like a statement of purpose. What comes through most clearly is that the buying policy is shaped by real customer demand, local St. Louis music history still matters, and the store has built a culture that values curiosity over snobbery.

Interview

Your buying list is specific - rock, metal, punk, jazz, rap, soul, and modern electronic on one side; big band, show tunes, and 40s-60s vocalists you'll mostly pass on. How did that shape itself over the years?

What we buy is based 100% on what our customers buy. For instance, new turntables do not have a setting for 78 RPM, so no one is buying what remains of our 78 collection, even out of curiosity, because how could they hear it?

When we pass on most big band, mid-century crooners and show tunes, it is not because the music is lacking, but because the audience for them is lacking.

You carve out an exception for avant-garde and St. Louis performances even in genres you'd usually skip. What's behind that nod to local history?

St. Louis is an old city with deep historical musical roots in jazz and blues. And that evolved into native son Chuck Berry and one-time resident Ike Turner being the men who sired rock & roll. St. Louis is a musical town with a never-ending jukebox of local musicians and bands playing all genres of music. Euclid Records is proud of that and wants to make it available to our customers. Which is why we do consignment sales for our local artists.

How would you describe Euclid's taste in your own words, after 45 years in St. Louis?

We just had our 45th Birthday party in June. Along with owner Joe Schwab, we have some staff who have been with us for 20+ years, and that historical perspective on the store and evolving music history is valuable. We also have a slowly revolving host of new employees of all ages (from 18 - 60 years old) who bring their particular musical passions and knowledge into the mix.

This means our musical tastes and expertise cover just about every genre we sell. We love to introduce our customers to things that may rock their world. But we also love learning from them. It's a constant conversation about the power and magic of great music.

That kind of customer enthusiasm is why we carry a broad spectrum of music genres. We do not push one over the other. We love it all. So do our customers, which is now 5 different generations of music lovers shopping with us. There's no musical snobs casting judgement behind our counter. We love folks who love music, period.

Customers and staff at the Euclid Records counter, matching the interview's emphasis on conversation, curiosity, and a no-snobbery shop culture.

Covers required, mostly blemish-free - but you'll bend for a valuable record in rough shape. Where's the line for you?

When we buy LPs, CDs and cassettes, they need to be in good enough shape that we can quickly turn around and sell them to our customers who take them home and enjoy them. We don't want distressed customers returning items to us because it didn't play right. This is why we care about the quality of what items we buy.

The listening quality of a vinyl record is more important than the shape of the sleeve. So, the cover could be a little worn but if the vinyl is in good shape, we're good.

Some albums are so rare that they are coveted by collectors regardless of the shape they are in. We know what those titles are, so will make exceptions for them. Though, we did once come across an unearthed butcher baby cover of The Beatles, but it was covered in mold! We wouldn't even touch it, much less buy it!

You pay more in store credit than cash. Do most sellers take the credit, and does it change what they walk out with?

Sellers who are downsizing how they live or cleaning up after the passing of a relative usually want the money. We even get sellers flat-out stating they have an electric bill due so what can you give me for this?

About 60% of sellers want credit so they can buy even more music. It is an addiction, truly! And our staff has the same affliction as our customers: there is never enough music in my collection!!!

The city's soul, jazz, and rock history has to run deep in the boxes people bring you. What still surprises you?

It is eternally surprising how much Dan Fogelberg people bought back in the day!

St. Louis was a stronghold for Frankie Beverly and Maze, so we see a lot of their well loved vinyl and buy it because folks will buy it in that condition.

It is surprising how much local and national gospel is in St. Louis collections, along with Missouri bootheel bluegrass artists from the 50s-70s.

What's been quietly strong in the bins lately?

Our Japanese section is small but mighty, sales-wise. It is an effort to keep Masayoshi Takanaka in stock! And video game soundtracks are the quiet sales giant. And two years since its release, the Chappell Roan (a Missouri native) debut album continually sells. She even outsold Taylor Swift in our store in 2025.

We remain flummoxed at how much Fleetwood Mac Rumours sells. They might as well just issue that thing alongside a birth certificate when a child is born. And in our store, Jeff Buckley's Grace is shaping up to be the new Rumours.

When it comes to used vinyl, we remain pleasantly surprised that every time a used copy of the following comes in, it sails right back out the door:

• Christopher Cross debut album
• Any Electric Light Orchestra
• Supertramp - Breakfast in America
• Lene Lovich - Stateless
• Michael Jackson - Off the Wall
• Air Supply - Greatest Hits
• Billy Joel - The Stranger, 52nd Street, and Glass Houses
• Miles Davis - Kind of Blue (also, never-ending sales on new copies)
• Kris Kristofferson - Jesus Was a Capricorn
• Black Sabbath - Paranoid
• Most all titles by U.F.O. and Krokus
• Earth Wind & Fire titles from 1975 - 1981

When a collector walks in for the first time, where do you point them?

We have a quick conversation with them about what kind of music they are into and on which format so we know where to point them. And we always make sure to steer them to the New Arrivals bin for each genre so they can see the latest before moving onto the regular stock.

We also let them know about all the $1 and $2 vinyl we have, because those who are willing to pull up a stool and dig through the crates will find some great treasures.

The Euclid Records storefront in St. Louis, a welcoming stop before shoppers head inside for new arrivals, bargain crates, and the Trophy Wall.

We also make it easy for people to spot our Euclid Trophy Wall vinyl, which are rare and unusual used LPs that sell for $60 or more.

FAQ

What genres are you generally not interested in buying?

Euclid is generally not interested in big band, pop vocalists from the 40s to 60s, show tunes, or most classical, except for avant-garde titles or performances tied to St. Louis.

Are there specific times when I should avoid bringing records in?

Yes. The store asks sellers not to bring collections on Friday evenings after 5 PM or Saturday mornings before noon.

Do you pay cash or store credit?

Both. Euclid can make offers in either cash or store credit, and store credit usually pays more.

Last updated: 2026-07-28