Happy Daze Records & More

Happy Daze Records & More in Lapeer is a record shop with a lot going on around the bins: used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, 45s, 8-tracks, local art, clothing, accessories, and a whole lot of "more." Denny's answers keep the store close to the people who bring collections in, from classic rock and metal buyers to the stories attached to family records.

Interview with Happy Daze Records & More

Happy Daze is a small-town Michigan shop in Lapeer. How does that setting shape the store, Denny?

Being in a small town shapes us in that we are closer with our customers and see many of them daily, weekly, or monthly. It also shapes the genres we carry, meaning we have to carry what the people here are into. So we mostly carry classic rock, metal, hip hop, pop, blues, and some jazz. We have some of everything but some genres don't move in the physical store and most of those end up on our Ebay Store or on Discogs. We have the best customers anywhere in the world! imo.

You buy rock, hip hop, blues, and other popular genres by condition. What makes a collection an easy yes?

Every Collection that comes in usually has a story with it - this was my dad's collection and he passed away or I found these going thru my brother's stuff, or we're having to downsize.. I love hearing and will always cherish the stories that come with every collection. You can always tell how much a collection was loved by his well taken care of it is and by the same token if some of the records are totally worn out it just means that they were played a bunch and truly enjoyed. That's what records were made for! To be played! No way that streaming or digital will EVER replace the ritual of playing physical media, the sleeve with the pictures and info, the sound of the needle when it gets set on the vinyl.. There's nothing like it!

We will pretty much buy anything that's in great condition because even if it isn't something that will sell in the store it can almost definitely be sold online. In the end as long as it's good condition and we are able to make a profit we will usually buy collections. Even when there are records that have seen better days we will take them and put them in our FREE Room to help keep them from going into the dump. We also take donations. People may need the cover, the record, or use them for crafts. Anything is better than putting more stuff in the landfills. Imo.

You're candid that 45s sell for a dollar unless they're something special like an original Beatles, and 78s you can't give away. How did you land on that?

Honestly we have tried and tried to sell more 7" vinyl but our customer base just doesn't seem to want them. We Sell most of them for $1 or 12 for $10, but some really cool ones are priced up. We do have a couple customers here and there that love em but not too many. Even online they're a low price, low profit item. We have a LOT of 45s in stock if anyone out there is interested! Lol! As far a 78s its the same story. We did sell some online but they're very hard to ship as they're very fragile and break easily and anyone that deals with shipping know the shipping companies do not understand the word fragile! Lol! We usually take what ones we do get and give them away in the FREE Room or to my wifey's uncle who had a new phonograph made and loves to spin the classics!

What do your Lapeer customers reach for most in the bins?

It depends on the customer. The older collectors dig thru our used vinyl bins looking for their favorite artists and that elusive special pressing. The younger customers almost always go straight to the new vinyl looking for their latest favorite artist on vinyl, cd, or cassette. CDs and cassettes are coming back in a BIG way!

What comes through in mid-Michigan collections that surprises you?

What always surprises me is how popular some bands were here back in the 60s and 70s that many haven't heard of now days, such as, Foghat, The Doobie Brothers, Uriah Heep, Spooky Tooth, Wishnone Ash, Grand Funk Railroad, etc etc. I'm always trying to get the younger guys to check out the older bands so they don't miss out on some great music! Plus there's always some Rod Stewart, Barry Manilow, and Kenny Rogers! Lol! Those guys sold a LOT of records for sure.

The "& More" leaves room beyond records. What else is in the mix?

We sell vinyl, CD's, Cassettes, 45s, 8-Tracks, clothing, jewelry, electronics, instruments & accessories, glass, novelties, posters, pins, buttons, stickers, incense & burners, cheap smokes, ryo, vape, papers, local art, local music, band tees, books, magazines, VHS, dvds, collectibles, and pretty much anything else that makes people HAPPY!! We're kind of like the old school record stores that used to have a beaded curtain that only the cool people could go behind. Lol! Kind of like a Spencer's and a record store all in one!

What condition issues come up most in local basement collections?

Biggest issue with condition is usually scratches, sleeves that are destroyed, warped vinyl, mildew, etc. A lot of people myself included didn't take great care of their records or physical media back in the day. We probably would have if we would have known they'd make a comeback! Lol! I mean a lot of us in the 70s, 80s, 90s were partying and having a good ol' time and that doesn't always lead to taking great care of your stuff! Lol!

First visit to Happy Daze - what should someone dig through first?

The first visit to Happy Daze is a lot to take in because we have a HUGE inventory of stuff. It's everywhere! And everyone is always greeted with a "Hello!" upon entering the store. We consider our customers to also be like friends and we always try to make everyone feel welcome. I guess what you look at first would depend on what you're into.. Some will go to the vinyl racks, some go to the cds, some are looking for a cool pipe, and some want some mildly offensive stickers to stick on their best friends car! Lol! (We do not recommend or condone this type of behavior. Lol!)

In the end we're just like our customers in that we love music and cool stuff! And we want to enjoy life even if we don't party like it's 1999 anymore!! Lol! We always say "Get You Some HAPPY!!" And we truly believe that the world could always use a lil' more of that.

Last updated: 2026-08-08

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