Irving Place Records

Irving Place Records is an East Side Milwaukee record shop with a neighborhood feel and a broad, collector-friendly mix. The store benefits from Milwaukee's lower-key but active music culture: visitors find a city with multiple distinct record shops, strong local personality, and prices that can feel friendlier than larger markets.

The shop listens closely to regulars rather than stocking only personal favorites. Jazz is a steady strength, compact discs have been moving well, and the store also pays attention to international, metal, audiophile records, local music, and more adventurous obscurities for deeper browsers.

Interview

Milwaukee has a strong music identity with less national noise than bigger markets. Does that actually help a shop like yours?

I think so! People may have low expectations coming to a city like Milwaukee, but the city in general has a lot to offer: a beautiful lakefront, a diverse culinary scene, an amazing art museum, and a ton of summer festivals. Add to that 6 very different record stores in the city proper, makes the city a cool tourist destination. We definitely get out of towners who are happy with our lower prices and nice selection compared to a bigger city.

What do Milwaukee customers ask for that outsiders wouldn't expect?

Probably that people here are more eclectic and diverse than outside might think.

Are there local artists, labels, or scenes that deserve more space in the bins?

We carry a lot of local music and always have room for more! I don't really get a sense of much going on as far as local labels as I did 10-15 years ago, but that might come down to the cost of having records pressed these days.

What genre has been quietly strong for you lately?

The humble compact disc!! Our International and Metal sections are genres I would love to get more of as far as used stuff goes, but just not around here so much. Also our Audiophile section has a very loyal customer base. Our jazz selection is always loudly strong.

How do you keep a neighborhood shop personal for the regulars?

I think listening to what our neighbors and regulars want out of their local record shop. We could easily load up the shop with our favorite records, but we would be out of business pretty fast if we did that. Although we do like to rotate some of our favorite obscure records for the more adventurous record buyer.

When someone wants to sell records, what should they know before contacting you, and what comes through most: estates, local collections, small trade-ins?

Mostly local purging and small trade-ins. If people ask what they should expect as far as selling records to us, the condition of the records and the jackets is obviously important, although we are more forgiving with more rare records. We generally don't buy 78's, classical (although we do have a classical section), big band and showtunes.

Wisconsin storage takes its toll. What condition issues do you run into most?

We often get records that are scratched to the point where I don't even know how it's possible without trying. Other than that, moldy jackets from water damaged records. Those I won't even really look at due to not wanting to breathe in mold.

Has a collection ever felt deeply connected to Milwaukee?

I guess most any collection that was curated in one city will be connected to its city, whether the plastic outers or price stickers from shops that no longer exist, or local or regional bands that you don't see on the coasts. I recently bought a collection from a person who was done collecting vinyl due to age and downsizing, and they really wanted the records to stay on East Side of Milwaukee, which is where 99% of them were acquired. I admired that and am doing just that with this lovingly curated collection.

FAQ

Where is Irving Place Records located?

Irving Place Records is located on East Irving Place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the city's East Side.

What does Irving Place Records stock?

The store carries vinyl records and CDs, with notable interest in jazz, international music, metal, audiophile records, local music, and more obscure records for adventurous buyers.

Does Irving Place Records buy used records?

Yes. Most buying comes from local collections, clean-outs, and small trade-ins. Condition matters, especially for common records.

What records does the store usually avoid buying?

The store generally does not buy 78s, classical records, big band, or showtunes, though rare records may be considered more flexibly.

What condition issues should sellers watch for?

Bad scratches and moldy or water-damaged jackets are major problems. Clean jackets and playable records are much easier for the shop to consider.

Last updated: 2026-07-11