Record Store Profile: Rare Records VIC

What is your store called? 
Rare Records

Where are you located? 
7 Wallace Ave, Point Cook Victoria and online here.

Tell us about the people behind the scenes?
We are a small operation with only of us, myself (Doug), Liam and Aiden.

When and why did the store open? 
1991

What do your customers most know you for?
Extensive knowledge, a good chin wag and stuff you have trouble finding elsewhere.

What is the most popular title you stock at the moment? 
Currently id say MF Doom - Mm...Food, Metallica - Master Of Puppets, Movie and Video Game Soundtracks and anything Tay Tay

What is the most popular evergreen title? 
Prrobably Fleetwood Mac - Rumours

What is the best thing about running a record store in 2025?
The camaraderie, the people ive met through the store has been amazing! Some lifelong friends, just some of the most loyal customers you could ever ask for. My small team are like my own family and i wouldnt have it any other way. Also introducing customers to bands or artists they have never hears of and then have them come back nest time gloating how much they loved that album or artist that you recommended, that is a great feeling.

What is the hardest thing about running a record store in 2025?
Not having endless cash to order every single new title in that i want to stock, so much great stuff is getting released. Second hand collections with decent titles that are not trashed is also proving to be difficult to find now. Prices that the local, major record companies are charging is making it very difficult for us and the consumer to sell at a reasonable price. Especially Record Store Day stock, prices are getting silly. People coming in to the store asking to price match something they have seen online that is overseas and does not include postage to get it here.