New Castle DE is very fortunate to have a selection of really great record shops (Goodboy Vinyl, Jupiter Records and Squeezebox to name a few) and Rainbow Records is no exception. Here's the breakdown ATMOSPHERE & MISC: 5 out of 5 - Ample parking in the new location. New digs are clean, well lit, easy to get around given the relatively small overall space. Cool posters and wall art. Records are well organized and tidy. Always cool music being played. Restroom is accessible for longer deeper bin diving sessions. When weather is nice, can move some of their selection outdoors which is always nice as well. SELECTION: 4 out of 5 - This is a pretty small to average sized store so dont expect them to have some completely all-encompassing selection of obscure or super rare nitsch stuff like Amoeba or a Tower records or something, there's just only so much space in store and they gotta sell stuff. Fortunately, it's located in a college town so they're clientele is typically hip enough that they're able to stock plenty of high quality stuff. Bread and butter is definitely alt rock, hip hop and used rock and jazz but there's all sorts of goodies if you go looking for a little while (I usually find some great world music every time I go though it's not a large section). I'm guessing most people won't have trouble finding some good deals there, but clearly those looking for ultra rare stuff may be better off looking elsewhere. That being said, if you talk to the staff there and tell them what u want or are looking for, they'll more than happily order you anything that's available online and I've taken them up on this on numerous occasions and they've shipped to my house for a very good rate. COMMUNITY OUTREACH: 5 out of 5 - Being that records have competition these days, it's incumbent on a record store sometimes to need to fill a greater role in the community just to stay around. Rainbow is always organizing events, sales, and live music and Dj shows for all sorts of charitable local events. They're social media is updated every day with the latest releases and the owners like I said are very accessible with requests for records or whatever. They have a great Facebook community and "what's on your turntable group" as well as a Record Club you can sign up for via email that sends out all sorts of cool, rare, new releases and every month for a very fair price. They support and work together with all sorts of other record stores in the community and local artist merch and music is always in stock and easy to find. This is a store you want to support people! CUSTOMER SERVICE: 6 out of 5 - Saving the best for last. Todd and Melissa are simply put some of the nicest, hardest working and accommodating people you'll find anywhere. I've been shopping here for a while and I'm always impressed with the lengths they're willing to go to make the experience of buying records a more enjoyable one. We've all had at least one lousy experience with a snobby, less than helpful record store owner in our life, and while I can't recall very many if any at all in Delaware, Rainbow really does excel at not only being extremely helpful, but making you really feel a part of the family as soon as you step in the door. As I've alluded to above, they'll order anything you're looking for and won't charge anything additional at all really for it. Since COVID hit, theyve worn masks all day I've been there, and provide gloves and hand sanitizer and regularly disinfect they're surfaces. Besides all this, I've also either heard of or personally been involved in some instances of customer service and kindness on behalf of the staff that are really special. I happen to know that on at least one occasion, when the mail was really backed up early on during COVID, Todd drove records to a customer's house about 30 miles out of the way just to get it to them on time. Another time, i was playing a show down the street from rainbow and our guitarist broke a string and didn't have another set and I texted Melissa who was down the street and she showed up with another one within like 10 minutes. This just serves to illustrate the character of the people behind the scenes at this place. As I said above, these are the kind of small business owners it's an absolute honor to have in my community and a joy to support! Theyre everything a small business should be really (familial, accommodating, active in the community). If this was the worst record store in the world, I'd honesty keep coming back because they're such quality people. FINAL VERDICT: 5 out of 5 - The owners of Rainbow Records clearly are driven by a passion for music and strengthening their community however they're able, so if you want to start loving records or love them already, I can't think of anywhere better to recommend stopping into! ***UPDATE*** 30 minutes later: I still love Rainbow Records !!!!! read more

Rainbow Records is a really nice shop tucked away in a shopping strip mall off Main Street in Newark. It caters to the audiophiles, both young and old, who still prefer to hear their music on LPs or cassette tape. Vinyl has made a bit of a comeback recently. Here you can spend as little a a buck on a record up to $50 for a new sealed reproduced record. They have a really nice selection for all tastes that range from Blues, Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop and some country. They offer a rewards program and have buy one $5 record get a second free on Thursdays. If your a serious collector or someone trying to locate some long lost LPs from your youth, this is the place for you. read more

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What a great find. Completely accidental find but so glad we checked it out. Great selection of new and used records, cds, and tapes. Picked up several great albums at a great price. We will add this place to our record store route and be back when we're in the area read more

Excellent Record Store and a wide selection of albums! It's a small store but has plenty of music to offer a customer! Great music always being played in the store while you shop. So if you want a blast from past go check out Rainbow Records read more

In 2007, our charity based organization approached Todd to see if his business would be interested in sponsoring one or more of our events. Over the course of the next 4yrs Rainbow Records played an integral role in combating food security in NCCo. With their help, we have been able to feed countless families and children living in and on the cusp of poverty. Their commitment to their community should serve as an inspiration to all delawareans. Todd, Miranda and the rest of their staff are the living embodiment of selflessness, generosity, and community minded behavior. Without Rainbow Records, I am convinced our community reach would have been incredibly limited and our goals of feeding those in need would have gone unmet. Thank you to everyone at Rainbow Records; you are the change we all wish to see in this world. You have our unwavering support and undying devotion. The words "thank you" just don't seem to be enough to fully express our level of gratitude. -Tim Day Tri-State Underground read more

Rainbow Records - Food donation delivery - Music & DVDs Near Me - Newark, Delaware

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Great store. Even greater people. I was surprised to see the bad review by "Grace" recently. If you look at her reviews they are mostly record stores and almost all terrible. Like 7 out of her 9 reviews are 1 star. SUSPECT. What most people may not be aware of is that trolls or competition have started using Yelp reviews to target businesses unfairly. It's ugly stuff. But anyway, you will be very happy if you give this place a try. They are awesome. Vinyl is awesome!!! Can't wait to bring my kid here, just got him his first record player. read more

Very nice indy store in downtown, Newark. Pricing not insanely high, so don't believe some of the reviews. Plenty of great finds if you have the time. Somewhat organized by genre, but they won't have their inventory online to help you search out something rare. Just go digging. They are willing to help you or simply leave you alone while you shop, which I appreciate. I found a couple nice albums in very good shape for a reasonable price. The new album from one of my favorite punk bands was less expensive than buying online and no shipping costs....or tax, b/c ya know...it's Delaware. Great first visit. I'll be back. read more

Not only has this record shop served the trust are are for over 40 yrs, the current owners are incredibly passionate about providing a diverse selection for their customers. Great deals and personal touches of customer service make this my favorite record shop. Highly recommend!! read more

My favorite record shop by far. Great prices, great selection and they are always happy to order something in if they don't have it. Todd has turned me onto a number of my now favorite artists. read more

I've been to record stores across the US and Canada, but Rainbow has to be my favorite one of all. Maybe i'm biased because i'm a local, but this shop really has everything you could need. A great selection of contemporary and older music across many genres on vinyl, CD, and even cassette, an expansive used vinyl and CD section, and everything is extremely affordable. The staff are very welcoming and approachable, and will order anything that is out of stock. The store is clean, easy to find, and well-organized. They also have regular sales and special offers. The book section is loaded with new and used gems, and most used books are only a few dollars. Every time I visit I spend at least an hour browsing, and i've been coming here regularly for four years. If you live in MD, DE, PA or NJ, you owe it to yourself to give rainbow a visit. read more

Great and knowledgeable staff. An asset the the community. Love this store with a wide variety of vinyl at reasonable prices.

Great selection of used books, not to mention a staff that is willing to go the extra mile to order that new free jazz rocket that you (and none of their other customers) absolutely must have. When one of my special orders was missing a disc, they took care of it right away. The used vinyl that flows through here is primarily classic rock, but I did manage to score some Dewey Redman and Paul Bley sides on the cheap. Bottom line: if you're in Newark, DE, you have no reason not to stop in--what the hell else are you going to do? read more

Was a bit disappointed by the selection at Rainbow Music...I had heard pretty good things from a friend, but they hadn't been there in quite a while. The used selection is pretty poor...mostly reissues and new records. A came across quite several used records that were cracked, deeply scratched and in just bad shape. The shop though is clean... I've been to some of the best record shops in my travels and this shop is below average overall. I guess if this was all I had I'd still stop there...worth one visit... read more

I don't buy many CDs or records these days although I have admired Rainbow's extensive selection, from premium items down to $1. I do however want to give them major props for doing things like holding a series of small benefit concerts for nearby charities (to which they also contributed), and allowing DIY types to put their publications and sell the albums of local and area musicians (and also play there!) Supporting community artists means a lot to those in 'the scene'.. also there is a room of recycled band T-shirts and hand sewn flannels adorned with recycled shirt prints.. ya just don't see that everywhere! Cool stuff. read more

I have to start off by saying I'm a collector and active in my search to finish my collection I have been vested in for over twenty years... I was visiting the area and disappointed by neighboring vinyl stores in Philly, I was in the area checking out and a friend and used Yelp to see record stores in the area.. the pictures posted assured me I would find at least something to take on my flight back home.. when I arrived inside RAINBOW, I a was greeted and left to roam the store.. Rainbow is very organized, spacious, ANd around every corner there's a hidden treasure if you don't mind putting those knees to use and digging for the gems.. I found several records that day, while heading to the register I came across another pile I just couldn't say no to. The price point was great, along with the service received!! I was extremely happy on my finds but disappointed that I don't live in the area... till next time hopefully there's new finds or still the ones I couldn't leave with. Thank you so much!! (Sorry I didn't take pics but video only) go check it out and save some records for me!! read more

A new owner (Miranda) took over last year and has made some nice modifications to the shop. The boxes that were on the floor, that you tried not to trip over, are now nice, lovely, sliding cabinets under the crates. These are easily flipped through. She holds more sales and is better about advertising and communicating with customers too, which is great. She also sells vinyl outside the store at other events too. All the staff are top notch and have taken care of me when I need anything. I mentioned one day that I missed out on a bootleg LP months ago and to my surprise, weeks later, Miranda contacted me and told me she was able to hunt one down and get it for me!! They are willing to order anything you need and I've had them hold items for me until I can get in later that day for limited quantity items. All in all, it's a great store. They have a decent selection of new vinyl (mostly alternative, rock, folk and indie, but they have some other stuff too) and their used selection is okay. I can usually find something to buy used, but I don't usually walk out with more than a couple. Personally, I go their more for mainstream music than used. I think Jupiter Records has them beat in the used department. read more

The owner tells me to bring my cd collection down but hes only payin around a dollar a cd. So i pack them all up drag em down there & he offers me $20.00 for over 200 cds!!! 5cents each?? REALLY!!? What a waste of time!!!! BUT.... I actually thank him ive sold around 100 of them on ebay & made $241.00!!! Owner has a horrible attitude & I will never go back there again. Just my opinoin read more

2/5. That's the best I can do. If you're coming to this store for vinyl, walk out the door. You're far better off going online. If you're a collector you'll realize how much higher the products are priced at this store than online or any decent record store for that matter. Their used section is beyond awful unless you love Sixteen copies of the same Peter Frampton album. Hell, I don't love one copy of Peter Frampton but that's just me! Most of the music found is trendy garbage. However, there are some gems but as stated before over-priced. SST records sells their LP'S for 9.99. Rainbow sells the same LP for 22 bucks. I purchased one record(used) from the hipsters. Was warped. Great. Anyways, this place is probably the place to go if you want to feel more secure in your masculinity. (Did not check out their book section, also could care less about cd's) read more

This shop was filled with used books that were in very good condition, even the kids books. The staff was friendly and everything was reasonably priced, even the cds. The atmosphere was nice and it wasn't overcrowded with things or people. My friend managed to buy a slew of kids books for her baby and I left with just one book, but wanting more. read more

Owner would only let my fiancé and buy one vinyl copy. Sucks! Each person should be able to buy a copy! Will NEVER go back! Owner was a jerk! Don't go here. read more

Rainbow is always a must-stop for me and my boyfriend when we end up in Newark. The CD and vinyl selection is great, you can find some real gems in the used sections too. Despite living in Philadelphia, I have yet to find a store up here that can rival this one. read more

It's a shame that their other locations aren't around anymore. I'm a big fan of this place, and definitely love to go when I'm in Newark. Great local music and book store. read more

Great used selection, tons of vinyl, and a relatively welcoming staff of hipsters. R.I.P. Rainbow!

They recently consolidated their store, which was a good move imo. The result is a new entrance (up the alley, it's no longer accessible from Main St.) and a smaller space. There's more of an emphasis on vinyl, which suits me fine, as well as a nice section for used books. They've made the transition into cozy, local music/book shop and I think it's for the better. As for the vinyl selection: Lots of new stuff as well as a decent selection of used. You're unlikely to find any huge scores here, but I've had a couple of nice finds from the used department. read more

I always try to stop in here when I'm in Newark, DE to see what they have. It is a great little independent record & book store that offers new & used: vinyl, books, CDs & DVDs. I pretty much buy exclusively used material here; they have a small but eclectic variety of stuff. I consistenly find some good books for a $2 or $3. read more

Rainbow is conveniently placed right on the University of Delaware's campus, and, for a college town's record-and-book store, it's not bad. They have a moderate selection of punk music (although "rock" is all together, so you have to dig a bit), and prices are pretty good for used stuff. They also have some pretty cheap used DVDs. There are listening stations but you can only listen to pre-picked new releases and sometimes the headphones don't work right, but hey, who can complain about free listening stations? One of the best things about rainbow is that they aren't super picky about buying books and CDs for store credit, so you can come in with a bunch of old books that you don't want, get a couple bucks each for them in store credit, and come out with a bunch of cool CDs. They also used to have a free section, where bands could put their demos or stickers or fliers or whatever. Not sure if it's still there in the new place, it probably is. read more

CDs man I haven't bought in a few years does not help that the store changes locations back and forth every few years. Current location is gone? Switch skateboards/poser store is there now read more

Rainbow is the only place I buy music these days. Not only do they always have interesting stuff in stock but they also have no problem ordering something for you. read more

A nice little space that is the amalgamation of used book store and underground music store. They stock a great collection of used books and I am often able to find ones that I actually want to read. The music/dvd collection is pretty good too and the staff is friendly. I don't know if it's related but there is a community events bulletin board on the east side of the building where you can put up your events fliers. read more

Terrific selection and very knowledgeable staff! A well known place for records this place has been around for quite a while. Wonderful and would recommend with high regards! read more

This is one of my favorite record stores in the tri-state area. Whenever I am in the area I stop in to browse. Despite the small size they have a nice varied inventory. Records are well organized, clean and prices are good. Staff is knowledgeable of inventory which helps if you're looking for something in particular. And if you tire of looking at music there's a nice selection of used books in the back. It seems many record stores have become too cluttered, dirty and unorganized over the years, like they no longer care. This place shows how it should be done and can be done, even in a really small space. Definitely worth checking out. read more

great deals in the discount boxes...i just wish i didnt feel like i was shopping in the dented cans section...otherwise good turn around

Cool staff. Some pretty cool used vinyl here and there. Youll come across some old local punk/emo band 7"s from the 80s/90s. Tons of vinyl, books and cds. Nothing really expensive about buying records here. Support your local record store, dont be ungrateful. read more