I wasn't sure what to expect from a store named Culture Shock. I just knew they sold records and wanted in. So what can you expect? Well yes, they do sell records. New and used that appear to be mixed together (?) Either way, this looks like the go to place in town for records from the last 20-30 years (which can be hard to find sometimes). They also have older stuff. It's not huge but it's big enough for me and there's some real gems to be found. The other 2/3 of the store is like a gift shop. Is all fun items like Jesus shaving mugs, cat unicorn horns, and ugly Christmas sweaters. Culture Shock should be your go to place for white elephant gifts that are actually fun. read more

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Alot to dig through, and you'll probably find something if not new music to listen to. I found out there were "Babe Ruth" records, the band that did the breakdance classic "The Mexican," which was used in the final round of the 1st and only Bboy Olympics. Kewl! They had a dollar bin, and I found a good amount versus just 1 like most places that even have cheapo bins anymore. read more

I've always enjoyed supporting local businesses, but my experiences at Culture Shock were deeply disappointing, and I would advise others to avoid it. The owner, especially the gentleman with dreads, came across as insincere and unprofessional during both of my interactions. I brought in a crate of valuable hip hop records to sell, as I needed to cover a last-minute bill because I was the sole caregiver for my grandmother that had dementia, so her hospital bills were stacking up. I explained this to him, and I shouldn't have, but I didn't think he would take advantage of my situation. Despite showing the clear worth of my records--including a sealed original "Marshall Mathers LP" valued at over $200--the owner offered just $300 for over 50 albums of similar value. As a collector with over 20 years of experience, I knew this was a shockingly low offer. Needing the money and with other stores closed, I reluctantly accepted, but I felt completely ripped off. Later, the owner came to my home to view more records. He spent two hours carelessly disorganizing my collection, then made another unreasonably low offer. When I declined, he became aggressive, raising his voice and accusing me of wasting his time. His unprofessional conduct in my own home was appalling. I captured the entire incident on camera and seriously considered posting it, as his behavior crossed every line of respect and professionalism. Ultimately, he offered just $230. The next day, I sold the same records to Toad Hall for $1,400--over six times what Culture Shock had offered. This stark difference shows just how unfair their pricing is -- both buying and selling. While the owner's wife seemed polite, the owner (Skyler) behavior was entirely unacceptable. He clearly only values customers willing to accept unfair deals, and without his wife, I doubt this business would survive. After spending thousands of dollars here over the years, I can confidently say I will never return. If you value fair treatment and professionalism, take your business elsewhere. Toad Hall treated both me and my records with care and offered fair prices and they sell for reasonable prices as well and have a much better collection -- something I did not experience at Culture Shock. read more

Such a cool store and I love that it is local! If you are looking for a funny/unique stocking stuffer or gift idea, this is the place to go! read more

Culture Shock - Vinyl Records Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

Was in Rockford and found this great record store.The staff at Culture Shock was very helpful and knowledgeable. They offer new and used records. They also carry unique Rockford items, if you are looking for a special gift for someone. read more

Culture Shock - Welcome - Vinyl Records Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

This place is fire on all levels. One of the best curated stores period. Store layout is great and owner is well versed in every genre we spoke about. read more

Amazing little shop. Friendly staff and cool atmosphere. I'm super happy this place exists. Will definitely go again next time I'm in Rockford. read more

Obsessed with Culture Shock. I've been shopping here for some time now and I have yet to issue a complaint. I always buy a fair amount of my Christmas gifts here and the recipients are always excited after opening. Skyler and Lauren are great and are always eager to help you find whatever it is you're looking for. Prices have always been fair and they generally run multiple sales and specials throughout the year giving you even more savings. I recently stopped in on Small Business Saturday and won a couple of awesome gift cards just for making my purchase. Bonus! Don't ever leave us, Culture Shock. You will break my heart. read more

This is a review of the vinyl (LP) selection at this store only... The store has a smallish but well curated LP selection. Prices are generally fair for the rock, pop, and r & b selections, of which they have a considerable selection. For jazz, they have a smaller collection and the prices they want for things are often higher than the condition of the records they actually have on hand warrant. For the rock and pop stuff, the ratings seemed pretty accurate, but for jazz, the records are often graded up from what they actually are. For instance, everything seems to be marked VG+, when often, the records are merely G or possibly only VG. This is not always the case though, so you will want to browse and make sure to check the vinyl and pick out the good stuff before buying anything. The classical section is almost non-existent, and they have only a small amount of dollar records. Given some of the grading and pricing issues, I find it hard to recommend them without qualification. Again, the rock and pop selections seem better rated, but the jazz stuff is where the problems are. It seems like they are trying to set the image of being more in tune with offering higher shelf stuff than Toad Hall, but they have similar quality issues to what Toad Hall currently has in Jazz as well. So, as with the Hall, I recommend the same thing here--you need to browse with a mindful eye. Additionally, the lack of a more robust dollar bin selection is a further mark against them in terms of ratings. (Half Price and Goodwill in the same area easily put dollar sections together no problem, so this is something that could be done pretty easily here, too. Classical would be easy to include here, but I would also recommend they don't just pull mono stuff coming in off the street--Toad Hall already has far too much mono classical no one will probably ever buy at this point in time in the basement.) Thus, for now, I feel comfortable giving them a 3. Perhaps as time goes on and they actually get more higher quality jazz records, they will feel less compelled to over grade the records. Hopefully, they will also see fit to expand the dollar bins and perhaps classical, as well. I plan to try and revisit them again later to see if things move in this direction as time goes on. read more

I have bought clothing and knick-knack type gift items off the shelf, bought records from their bins, special ordered records, traded and sold some of my used records to them, and traded and sold used hi-fi equipment to them. What I am saying is that I have dealt with Skyler, Lauren, and Megan at Culture Shock on basically all levels. I am always treated like an old friend, and always treated fairly. This store comes with my highest recommendation. read more

A favorite shopping spot for my family. Whether we're bored on a weekend or looking for the perfect "nailed it" gift for someone special, we go to culture shock. The staff is wonderful. The constantly changing assortment of new and vintage merchandise always gives us a way to connect and something to smile about. They also stock merchandise from other small businesses and ethically sourced and thoughtful products. I recommend this store to everyone! Bonus: there are often amazing food trucks from local vendors on site. read more

If you are into Hot Topic, you should realize that the whole idea behind Hot Topic was started by smaller stores selling oddities and cool clothes and music-Culture Shock is such a store. Various interesting books, curios, t-shirts, shoes, and so on that are cooler than you can find elsewhere are available here. Archie McPhee fans will see things they like and enjoy, as will fans of Lip Service clothing and vintage records (mostly in the genre we oldsters called "alternative" in the 1980's/1990's -- you will likely not find the latest from Lady Gaga (or some other "flavor of the month this month") here, but you will find The Dead Kennedys, The Cramps, NOFX, and so on on vinyl (7" and 12", domestics and imports) and CD. Simply calling Culture Shock "Rockford's store home for the non-conforming conformists" or "Rockford's answer to Chicago's Alley" would be a disservice-you should truly stop in and see it for yourself! read more

These people know what's up, with music, apparel, and anything else you'd need! Super friendly and helpful staff with a great selection! read more

Culture Shock - Customer service at its best! - Vinyl Records Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

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Definitely one of my favorite stores in Rockford. It's great for cool stuff for yourself, and great gifts for friends. A lot of funny Knick knacks and they have a bunch of old & new vinyls. I would 100% recommended, even just to go look around in to see all the cool stuff. Really nice staff also :) read more

you are most definitely missing out if you haven't stepped foot in this shop. skylar and lauren are so dedicated to their business and are always willing to help you find the perfect gift, vinyl or locally made gem. from jewelry and kitchen accessories to posters and (old+new) vinyl this is literally a one stop shop. i always encourage my friends and family to shop here during the holidays because to 1. support local 2. deliver a unique gift and 3. they offer gift wrapping! thank you guys for being a stand out business in the heart of rockford. we wouldn't be the same without you! read more

I love the variety of oddities and fashion you would either have to go to chicago or shop online for. heck, even the alley doesnt have a selection like this place. they get new shipments every week, so its never the same store each time you go in. I love that the owners support local bands, letting them play in their store, and also letting them sell their music and merch the rest of the normal buisness hours. read more

i love almost everything they have. Every time i go in i just feel welcomed. i can never leave without getting something.

What a local gem! Half the store is filled with vinyl and the other half with unique & quirky fun stuff. Lots of great t shirts, funny socks, unique bags & office supplies. Really this place is just delightful. read more

Great locally owned story for underground music fashion.Great vinyl selection of new and classic rock,punk,metal,industrial,soundtracks. Easily one of rockfords top places to checkout. read more

They always have something new and interesting available. Extensive selection of vinyl, as well as other unique gifts. Locally owned by a great couple, who are really invested in growing their business, as well as other local businesses through their involvement in Winnebago Buy Local. read more

Roger Miller LP's for $15 and anything better for more. Much more. The guy was nice enough.

Stopped in got Record Store Day because I am insane. I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to pick up some records that I had on my list, as I arrived a few hours after they opened. Many of the suburban record stores still open are stinky hippie holes. This place was more my taste. They had a nice metal selection, along with a bunch of used vinyl. It was crowded so I didn't get to dig too much, but this will be on my list of stops in Rockford from now on. read more

I've been looking for a good place to buy records at, and Culture Shock is my new favorite! I loved the atmosphere, and the store had a great vibe when I walked in. The store owners Skyler and Lauren were very friendly and knowledgeable. I was very impressed and so grateful when they offered to take my information and call me when the albums I was looking for come in the shipment later this week. Walked to the other side of the store and there were many cool and quirky things available to buy. Can't wait to go back! read more

Clean & friendly. Grabbed a few shirts and a clutch during their "spring cleaning" event for a pretty good price. Happiness.

What a neat place!!! they have a great record selection! They could use more larger women size clothing, but the things they have are adorable. Tons of trinkets and gag gifts as well. read more

One of my favorite record stores in the country. The new location provides more space and a larger selection of vinyl. The employee selections are always up to date and the store is always plenty stocked with good finds. It's a one stop shop for anyone interested in purchasing a turntable/receiver from someone who will sell you a great model to fit your need. read more

Really dig this place when I'm in Rockford! They've got a killer selection and very fair prices. A little bit of everything. I'm normally in the market for used vinyl, and Culture Shock definitely doesn't disappoint in that realm. Cool selection of rock n roll that changes every time I make it in the store. read more

I get fuzzy feelings whenever I think of Culture Shock. It gives me all the vibes of an eclectic shop in a big city like Chicago, but reasonably priced. On one side of the store they sell home goods, locally made items, trendy stuff, clothing, accessories, etc. The other side is dedicated to vinyl and audio equipment. The staff is beyond friendly. I always chat with Skyler when I come in. They have great hours for a small business. I love this place. Always have and always will! read more

Culture Shock is always a delight and I'm never disappointed with my loot when I leave. Only once have I ever bought something there that I didn't like, but I suspect it was my own incompetence that was the issue (it was a purse that fell apart within a week, but to their credit, I overstuff my purses). I love their selection of jewelry and unique plus size clothing. I do wish there were a few more plus size choices and maybe some slightly roomier plus stuff for those of us ladies with larger chests! Again, being that this is a small shop, they do their best and for that I adore them. They have an awesome selection of music and oddities, as well as record players at a decent price. Overall, I love Culture Shock and shop their whenever I can. I recommend it to friends who are looking for cool things you can't find anywhere else in Rockford. Skyler makes you feel super welcome and can be great for an animated conversation. read more

Can't say enough about Culture Shock. I remember going there when it was just a spot over from where it's at now but the new location is bigger. It's a great place for unique items or gift giving. I've bought clothes for both myself and my boyfriend (who's an XXXL) - they can also special order clothes in the bigger sizes. Jewelry is cool, bathroom & home decor is cool, purses are cool. They have a good selection of hats, wallets, patches. I don't have a need to buy records but they have a huge selection of them. I recently bought a pair of sunglasses for $8.99 and they're my all time favorites out of the 6 other pairs I have. I've found a ton of Christmas gifts for people in there. The owner, Skyler is always very friendly and helpful. I love to support the store and share the idea of buying from them to friends for holidays & special occasions. They also have really great hours...typically stores like that close early and aren't open on Sundays. Big props to Culture Shock...please don't go anywhere!! read more

A fun and unique Rockford landmark! The record side of the store is well curated and fairly priced. The merchandise side of the store is like Hot Topic, but with more of a focus on hipster fashion and humor (as opposed to goth or emo). The owners are very friendly and always make it a good shopping experience. Highly recommended! read more

extremely nice, great vinyl selection, great local store!