I collect a lot of vinyl and this is one of the best places around to get near- mint-condition used…read morevinyl for great prices. I'm into a lot of 80s New Wave, so I came out with a few albums in that category (some for under $10 each), one from Springsteen that was $10, and then even a couple of classical composers for $4 each. And guess what? Not a scratch on any of them! (Here's the catch: A couple records skipped in more than one place in the same song, though I realize skips are par for the course with used records. Not that I don't trust the grades given to the records on the price tags, but there should be a way to test out the records before you pay for them.) The owner is very kind and helpful. It's a small store packed with a lot of records that are alphabetized (which helps if you're looking for something specific) in their respective categories. The place can seem a little claustrophobic and could use a clearing out of the boxes and crates of records on the floor that can make maneuvering difficult and browsing a bit uncomfortable. Yes, the owner generously cleared one area so I could have a better look at a particular genre, but he shouldn't have to do that. The boxes and crates on the floor plus the skipping on some of the albums are the only reasons I'm giving four stars instead of five. Overall, Replay offers better quality and prices than some other used vinyl shops I've visited in both New Haven and Fairfield Counties. It's worth conquering your claustrophobia, I promise, and you're bound to find something you're searching for as well as something you didn't even know existed.

I got into record collecting around 2011, shortly before Cutler's in New Haven closed. Options were…read morelooking pretty scarce, until I came upon Replay Records and I have to say a good portion of my collection is now from there. Even after an 8 year excursion to NYC, I'd still prefer to go to Replay, as it's small but unpretentious. Pairs quite nicely with a trip to Glennwood for a burger and a dog.

I lived in Connecticut for many years when I was younger but that was before The Archive was a shop…read moreand it's a place I've been wanting to hit up for years. I recently got into collecting Criterion releases and thanks to some open time, I was able to head out to Bridgeport on a recent trip out east and finally give this place a shot. From the moment you walk into The Archive you are completely surrounded by Blu rays, DVDs, 4Ks, VHS tapes, and every single thing that could possibly exist next to them. This place has every inch of the walls decorated, every shelf is full of movies, and all three rooms are slam packed with cool stuff. I spent probably an hour talking movies with the staff, digging through all the different sections, and it took a whole lot of restraint to not leave with 30+ movies (can't really fit that on a plane). Due to space restrictions for the flight home, I was only able to pick one thing up but Days of Heaven is safely at home in LA now and a proud member of the collection. Overall, The Archive is definitely one of the best stores the nutmeg state has to offer. The decorations were cool, the movie selection was absolutely unbeatable, the staff was knowledgeable, and it was definitely one of the best movie hunting experiences I've had in many, many years.

The Archive is a physical media retail store that opened in Bridgeport, Connecticut in June 2017…read more It was founded by friends and business partners Brandon Upson, James Neurath, Ryan Emerson and Ralph Stevens. The shop is the brick & mortar division of Vinegar Syndrome: a film restoration and distribution company that specializes in protecting and preserving genre films (mainly produced between the 1960s and 1980s). The company was founded in 2012 by Emerson and business partner Joe Rubin and named for the acidic smell of deteriorating film. It is considered a boutique Blu-ray label and to date has released well over 800 titles on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD. The Archive is dedicated to selling movies and music in a wide variety of physical media formats. Consumers will find all sorts of new and used titles available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, VHS, Betamax, Laserdisc, Vinyl, CD, and Cassette tape. A second location opened in Aurora (CO) in October 2022 and a third (named 'Vinegar Syndrome') opened in Toronto (ON) in October 2023. I've been doing business with the Archive for a number of years now. I'm a huge fan of collecting physical media. Although streaming media seems to be the way to go now, streaming services are only as good as your internet connection, the quality is too compressed and titles are disappearing all the time. I like having an actual vinyl record or 4K disc in my hands. Physical formats are also usually loaded with all sorts of liner notes, posters and bonus features that you won't get with streaming services. I try to stop at the shop every few months or so. While I sometimes leave empty handed, other times I leave with some great finds. They often carry great film releases from labels like Arrow Video, Blue Underground, The Criterion Collection, Severin Films, Shout! Factory, and of course Vinegar Syndrome. At times, the shop will even get a limited amount of new releases weeks before they are available on Amazon. If you're a fan of physical media then you need to get to the Archive right away!

So many records lots of bands and great variety of genres, great for finding cheap records, picked…read moreup these the other day

I was not able to take pictures because I was on a mission to buy a vinyl and get out asap! A…read morefriend of mine discovered this record shop and I though how cool they have used and vintage items for sale to discovering they had a fantastic selection of an artist I really love, but I still can't get it out of my head how dry and rude the staff can be. I dealt with this specfic man with a beard, with muscular body figure, looks like he goes to the gym, and he came off really rude when he told me to stop for a brief moment, signaling me to wait so he can walk further away from me. I understand the shop can be very small however, it was not needed. I played it off but I was indeed embarassed and still purchased something from the store. That moment was back in August. Now in September I called in to ask for a specific item and I was told the item was available after months of searching it in person, sounded like the same person because I memorized his voice. Thankfully he was not there when I arrived to pick up, but there was another staff, very mellow and also not approachable. I got up went inside cause at the end of the day this business is taking my money. In conclusion the staff need to do a better job at being friendly and not be so bothered when asked a question. I don't know if it because I look different from everyone else, I always feel uncomfortable to go inside. Happy with my item, not so happy with the atmosphere and customer service.

Very large assortment of records and CD's and CD boxsets very unique. There were Rod Stewart to…read moreBeatles to Bruce Springsteen CD box sets that I don't see. In addition, they had the largest inventory of used Carpenters albums I've ever seen

I found it difficult to locate the titles I wanted since everything seems to be thrown around…read more Titles are not alphabetized the way they should be. Asking for help is a waste of time. Mike is an impatient irritable little troll who only has money on his mind. Doesn't care about customers. Plus he has an unpleasant body odor. Prices are outrageous. Most of the vinyl I looked at was scratched and worn.

Thank God for this place right before Christmas. picked up some novelty items that made think of…read morecertain people & helped me wrap up the rest of my shopping. but even better both my children are into record players & vinyl records & i was able to pickup some 70's/80's artists. right next to Rose Dairy & a pub across from yhe old Everybodys. prices reasonable.

Not really sure Not really that much of a selection. But very cute store but if you have…read moresomething in mind you might find something to interest you

Very cute little bookstore. Books are free - just donate something. It is not closed contrary to…read morewhat Yelp says.

Open mic Saturdays. Music improv last Monday of the month. Great intimate book store. Uncanny and…read morecommunal space. Kind creative people.

There are a ton of very nice coffee shops in New Haven, but my current favorite is definitely…read moreAtticus. Alfred Luis Borges said paradise was a form of library, but alas, he didn't have the pleasure of reading, eating super yummy baked goods and drinking caffeinated drinks (they have the absolute best dirty chai in the New Haven area in my opinion), and being amongst such respectful, friendly staff. If his paradise was a library, Atticus is a little slice of heaven here in New Haven. I love love love this place!

The Atticus bookstore cafe is a great local coffeeshop and bookstore in one. It's a popular spot…read moreand the line does move pretty efficiently. They have everything from coffee, tea, and a food menu as well. Whether you are coming here to grab coffee or pickup a new book this is a great spot to visit.

Really cool old school store with a huge variety of vinyl records all sorted by genre. The staff…read morewas readily available to answer any questions.

I've been heading over to Exile on Main for my music since it opened. It's one of the few remaining…read moretrue "record stores" (actually CD/record/DVD) in the state, surviving through the pressure exerted by iTunes-type music buyers who purchase only the hits in mp3 format. Here's what you're missing if you're only buying mp3 singles or buying at the big box retailers. Selection - Exile offers thousands of titles and artists. The selection may look similar to what's offered by the big boxes, but is in fact much larger. Exile maintains a small stock of each title so you won't see 200 copies of a new release filling the shelves. There's also tons of concert DVD's - remember, you don't know an artist until you see them live. And, if you truly like an artist, you're missing out by not buying their full album to check out the "deeper tracks". Keep in mind that the large retailers are paid to stock certain CD's, so it doesn't pay for them to stock the titles that don't move very quickly. Remember that the country's largest brick and mortar music retailer, Wal Mart, requires censorship of the music they sell. If you think that "bad words" in music will poison your mind or your child's mind, I think you need to step back and look at the world we live in. Cost - I don't want to disagree with my fellow reviewers, but... Exile's prices are consistently lower than the larger retailers. Lower overhead may be the reason. The only time this may not be true is when the big stores are offering new releases at low prices to drive impulse buyers to buy. Have you ever checked the prices for CD's at Best Buy and FYE. If you're lucky you may find a used copy of what you want and save some $. Recommendations/Service - If you're buying a gift or looking for something new for yourself at one of the big retailers who do you ask for a recommendation? When I stared going to Exile I liked the usual popular rock and progressive artists. I knew there were tons of other artists but didn't know where to start. Through Paula's and Al's recommendations I've "discovered" artists hat I never knew existed. How else would I ever have known that Boris, a Japanese experimental/progressive group, existed? But you do need to ask - they won't chase you around while you're browsing asking what you're looking for. If they don't have what you want, special orders arrive in 1-2 days. And, I recommend getting onto their mailing list to help you keep up-to-date on new releases. mp3 - If you really like mp3's - they are easy to put onto your player and you can buy just what you want... check out exileonmain.com. The prices are lower than iTunes - closer to Amazon, and it's really easy to use. Nutshell - If you're a big music fan or casual listener do yourself a solid and check out Exile on Main St. It's all about selection, price and customer service.

Small shop, with a decent variety. Seemed to have far more CDs than vinyl which surprised me. Most…read moreof the vinyl seemed like it was added in where ever it could fit, most of the bins were so tightly packed you could hardly flip through. I think a bit of organization would go a long way to make an easier shopping experience. Glad I finally stopped in and certainly could have left with more than I did.