Melbourne’s coffee culture is world-class, as is our design offering, but according to recent research, the city’s record store scene is even stronger. For The Record, a new study commissioned by the Victorian Music Development Office, has found that Melbourne boasts more record shops per capita than any city on Earth: 5.9 stores per 100,000 residents, beating Tokyo, London and Berlin. With 119 independent record stores, the city is home to half of Australia’s independent vinyl outlets.
The research, delivered by Ethan Holben and Audience Strategies, took a deep dive into Victoria’s vinyl ecosystem, from pressing plants (Victoria produces 66 per cent of Australia’s total) to distributors and retailers who keep local music alive. The findings reveal a city that spins a whole heap of records, and seriously champions Australian music: Victorian stores stock 25–50 per cent local artists, well above the mere 8.4 per cent of Australian tracks that dominate streaming charts.
That being said, the research found that there’s a paradox at play. While Victoria’s record store count has grown 18 per cent since 2023, national vinyl sales have only nudged up 5.6 per cent to $44.5 million, and most stores describe themselves as “just getting by”. Behind the vinyl boom headlines lies a fragile landscape: high setup costs, uneven access for regional Victorians, and rising prices that can put records out of reach for young listeners.
While this presents a challenge, Victoria’s vinyl community is about more than making sales. Record stores are emerging as cultural hubs where live performances provide safe, all-ages spaces for young people to discover music. Kate Duncan, CEO of The Push, notes these stores could become “the most important entry points for young people discovering live music”, giving access to experiences otherwise limited by venue restrictions or cost-of-living pressures.
Buying a local record is now a double win: you’re supporting an artist’s release strategy (physical sales can genuinely shift chart positions); you’re sustaining local jobs across pressing, distribution and retail; and you’re keeping the city’s vinyl culture alive. Fiona Duncan, CEO of Music Victoria, sums it up best: “Physical sales aren’t just income; they’re strategic... and vinyl continues to be one of the most powerful drivers for Australian artists.”
Victoria’s vinyl scene is concentrated, connected and globally exceptional, but systemic barriers remain. Regional communities have less access, start-up costs limit who can open a store, and pricing threatens youth engagement. Well-targeted support could address these inequities while strengthening the state’s already thriving record culture.
Stocking up on Christmas prezzies? You can find your nearest indie vinyl store at recordstoreday.com.au and show some love for Melbourne’s top-notch vinyl scene.
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