I travel the country seeking out record stores wherever I go, and I got an overwhelming amount of recommendations to visit The Record Exchange. Honestly, I was wildly underwhelmed after how much it was hyped up. It reminds me a bit of Zia Records in Phoenix, but a version that has kind of lost the plot. Their record selection was much smaller than I was expecting, as the knick knacks and gifts have all but swallowed the store. I understand in this market, to survive you gotta sell socks...but the sheer overwhelming amount of tchotchkes prattling to Swifties and pop culture made the shop seem incredibly dorky and visually overwhelming. It felt more like a tourist spot than an actual record store and was not very relaxing to browse in. Not to mention how pricey the tchotchkes and such are. $8 for a sticker? No thanks. Their t-shirts have a premium as well, at least $5-10 more than other local record stores. The record selection was...okay. They had some cool stuff as far as reissues but the markup was high. (Which I understand because distributers already charge a premium). The used records were alright, I found some cheap gems in the $2-5 range that were in the VG+ range. But it was nowhere near what I expected. I still supported them, but I doubt this would be a return spot for me since I'm spoiled by Zia and Amoeba. I love what they provide for the community, but it's probably not the spot for more serious record collectors who want to browse without a bunch of kids yelling next to them. read more

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The Record Exchange will always new a core memory for me. Growing up, we used to frequent the downtown location and their old venue off of Cole. Coming here for the dopest new music will always be a great memory of mine. I haven't been to this joint in years. It brought back lots of memories walking in today. My husband was checking out the music and I headed towards the novelty part of the store. I loved all the fun things you can look at. From magnets to hats to ramen bowls, there's something neat to look at at every corner of this store. I appreciate that they have tables that you can kick it at while sipping beverages or checking out what you purchased. I also love that they have Idaho merch for sale. If you're looking for a unique gift, The Record Exchange is your joint to hit up. I'm happy that this joint is still up and running. Music is huge in my life and some of my fondest childhood memories are from here. It was great seeing people in the store today looking at stuff and supporting this dope local business. read more

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They have a reasonable selection but they are extremely expensive. This place was awesome 20-30 years ago. But prices are outrageous now. Better shopping on Discogs than here. read more

I went there to find a tuner for my Kenwood and they had several was totally amazed with the albums cassettes and everything else that they have read more

The Record Exchange was satisfactory, product wise, but was not the best when it came to the area. Customer Service: While at the checkout the employees were good with the transaction, they were hard to speak to while I was walking around the store. Ambience: As you would expect, there was music playing for the entirety of the visit. A lot of the customers were very quiet but not rude. The store felt hostile towards anyone who didn't intend on buying anything and just wanted to look around. Value: My friend paid $45 for four records, which seems fair to me, but I am not a record expert. I almost purchased a few CD's, but was turned away by the prices, as a quick Amazon search almost always turned up $5-$15 cheaper. I wouldn't recommend this store unless you're really into buying records or CD's, but Amazon might be a better bet for you, and it'll save you some time. Additional note: Free parking is difficult to find nearby, especially in the afternoon, so bring some quarters with you to pay for the parking meters nearby the store (the parking situation has no effect on my review, this is more so just some advice for potential visitors) read more

Good records at a decent price. Large variety and the people at the registers seemed nice

Records, vinyl, LPs!! Fantastic place. We spent some money and could of spent a lot more while visiting Boise. Even picked up a rare Frank Zappa never released tracks LP for a Christmas gift. read more

This place is fantastic and I absolutely LOVE that we still have a true music store. I used to work at a music shop in Scottsdale and then we moved to downtown Phoenix. Talk about two different worlds lol. That's a story for a rainy day tho. Record Exchange is an old school shop too like the one I worked at. I have a soft spot for stores like this. Music is such a big part of my life and always has been, so again, makes me incredibly happy we have this store here. Not many music stores left anywhere...obviously:( thanks to downloading. There will always be something special and definitely more unique and wonderful about going to a store to get new music. Download, sure is convenient, but it's sad so many people will never understand how exciting it is to go to a store when you know a new album is about to drop, or how fun it was to camp out at stores like this back in the day for concert tickets. I camped out for so many great shows like Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, LIVE, so many incredible bands: Now Ticketmaster sucks lol. The lottery nonsense etc etc. boring. Anyway, if I had one complaint(s) about Record Exchange is 1) they make you wear masks and that's weird to me because there are literally no other businesses that force people to wear them. It should be an option in my opinion. I'm not talking shit about people who live by the mask and rules, im just saying, it should be a choice to wear one. Aside from that, the kid who rang me up was kind of a d-bag. No hello, nothing like that. I mean, it's a record store, can't expect them to roll out the red carpet or anything, but "hey! How are u?!" should always be something they said even if they hate you for being there hahahaha! And aside from that, the 5 stars is still deserved because I honestly can't see myself giving this place a bad rating. They have a great CD collection, I was there to buy the new ABBA album. I figured I had to buy the cd lol. Their vinyl section is beautiful! I love how popular vinyl is again. When I worked at Circles in Phx, we sold a TON of vinyl! Then digital started and vinyl sales sadly dropped dramatically almost to nothing. It gained back a little steam after the initial digital download high started to come down lol and was pretty steady until we ended up closing the store. It's not a high-rise luxury apartment building. They kept the bottom floor facade tho...back in the 50s my music store was a studebaker dealership. Our dj booth was the rotating platform they used back then to display the cars. They kept that after public uproar when they started to demolish that beautiful historic building. Cities like Phx and now even Boise, love to destroy history to build tacky, ugly, track homes/buildings or ... parking lots. Anyway, got off topic there lol. Record Exchange is very nostalgic for me. It's always so great to go in there. Attached to the music store is a little type knickknack area, stuff that tourists would like or little old ladies who collect weird figurines or hipster chicks who like cutesy little knickknacks lol...OR guys! Lol There's a coffee counter too, at least I'm pretty sure that's what that was. Coffee tastes like ass to me, I hate it lol. I know, I know, to most that's "sociopathic behavior" hahaha but sorry, it's liquid dirt to me lol. Either way, RX having this is very cool, very clever business-wise and very convenient for the coffee lovers. One last thing about vinyl I forgot to mention, the store was paaacked when I was there! Again, that made me happy, made my heart smile, but majority of customers had vinyl in their hands which was so wonderful to see. The more I talk about it, makes me miss working in a music store. I basically ran the store in Phx lol and for almost 10 years. Worked at a Hastings in Flagstaff too with my sights on their music section. Again, getting sidetracked! This is what music stores do to me! Make me happy, bring tons of wonderful memories back etc. If you live in Boise, I know you've been! If you're GenX, I know most of y'all still love going to a music store and yeah, we all download, but nothing will ever beat how great going to the music store is! Record Exchange, thank you for still existing! Thank you for having one FANTASTIC fn store with a great selection and reasonable prices as well! You're very important to Boise and we must hold on to you as long as humanly possible! Thanks for reading, Yelpieeriees! Thanks for reading my sidetracked parts too haha! It's happens! And with me...a lot lol. Cheers! read more

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Got Richard Hell and the Voidoids and a neat t-shirt to commemorate my time in Boise. Then I made like a real tourist and spent an inordinate amount of money at the photo booth around the corner. This place has a huge selection and lots of random novelty gifts you could spend hours just staring at. They even have cassette tapes. And t-shirts. Soft t-shirts. The tall gentleman manning the place is a cool dude. Which btw, I meant John Green! He will know to which I am referring. Though now I have a comedian to check out, so thank you. :) These kinds of places are slowly disappearing so please give them your patronage! read more

This was one of the best record stores i've been too! I'm visiting from Utah, and we found this place online, and I'm so glad we did! They had a huge selection of vinyls that I've never seen before at other places. I will say, their prices are the same as other places, so not necessarily a deal but they do have the best options! Everyone who works there is extremely kind and we will definitely be coming back the next time we're in Idaho! read more

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I love this record store, for the vinyl selection alone. The prices are average, but you gotta pay to keep these stores open. Speaking of staying open... The one reason it doesn't get 5 stars, is because the HOURS are LAME. We just drove out from Star to go record shopping after I got home from work, just to find out they close at 7? And on Fridays and Saturdays, they close at 8? What happened to record stores staying open til ten? The sun is still out and the stores are closed! Where are the bored kids gonna hang out if the stores are closed? I thought the idea was to keep brick and mortar stores open. How are we supposed to shop when we work our day jobs and cant squeak in an hours worth of record browsing before they close. I guess I will have to do my record browsing online, or at Walmart. At least they are open til ten. Come on, at least be open til sundown. Or be open til ten on Fri/Sat. And if its a lack of staff, then open the store at 2 in the afternoon. We have to work our day jobs to make the money to spend in the store. We cant shop at 11am during the week... read more

What a fun store!! They had an amazing selection of vinyl for decent prices. They also offer books, CDs, DVDs, and more! They even had a fun section for quirky gifts. I bought some cute pastel plates with three-eyed cats on them. read more

5 stars. The selections of vinyl is huge. All are alphabetical arranged. Found my artist straight away. No need to hunt and guess to find your music. The store sells CDs, laser disc and other hip stuff. There's also a small section selling coffee and cakes. Overall a great place to shop for entertainment. read more

Super small with a great selection. Great conversation, definitely a return visit for more vinyl.

Warning: Prepare to lose yourself for at least an hour, minimum, in this treasure of a record shop. It's a deceptively big store inside. This place is overflowing with kitschy, humorous, and vintage gift and apparel finds. Sock collectors, especially, will have to wipe away tears of joy as they find the trove of hilarious rare socks. I was happily surprised at both the quality and size of the selection of vintage vinyl. Some great prices on some hard to rare vintage albums, and high prices on others, I found. Overall, good pricing on albums. Service was definitely friendly, and there is a little coffee counter and a few tables for those of us that want to spend way too much time exploring here. Employees seemed very happy to be there. You will be too. Enjoy! read more

I will never have a bad word to say about the record exchange. A perfect staff that is always willing to help and knows the customers by name. Its always so nice to come in and get greeted by name. The selection is also top notch. Been going here for years now and love every second that I'm able to spend in this store. read more

There are two reasons why I love this place...the first, nostalgia. With all the streaming services and online music options we have nowadays, finding a spot like the Record Exchange is roughly impossible. I remember growing up going to local record shops and spending hours in them at a time, browsing through the aisles and saving up to get that new cd or guitar tab book. Now that those places are mostly extinct, it's so cool to walk into a place like this to go back in time. Though I have yet to buy an actual cd or record, I freakin LOVE all the gift shop related madness they have going on. I find myself browsing through all of THAT more than anything else. Now the SECOND reason I love this place? They are taking this pandemic seriously. They have a ton of things in place to keep everyone and their staff safe, from mandatory masks to hand sanitizer and ways to keep people socially distanced. I find it annoying that people have voted this place down because the RE is doing what they can to help fight the pandemic as THOSE PEOPLE are the ones who should stay home and do nothing as they are most likely to spread it...idiots. I wish ALL businesses took the pandemic this seriously so we can get out of this madness a little quicker. Anyway, GREAT shop with a ton of nostalgia! FUN! read more

This is an awesome store in Boise. Though I don't have a record player, I came here with my bestie who does have one, and she was able to score some great deals on used records for less than 10 bucks each. But even if you don't come here for the records, come for the quirky and fun items or a cuppa joe. Record Exchange is a really cool record shop in downtown Boise. We visited on a Saturday and the place had quite a few people inside, checking out records and gifts, and even getting a coffee, since there was a coffee stand here. They have it all! There was a lot to check out here, as they had great gift items, ranging from Idaho-themed graphics, jewelry, home accessories, to of course, records. Most of the store was, as expected, aisles of records. We spent about an hour and a half, as my bestie was finding a lot of great deals on records. They sell new and used here. If you're in the area, I definitely recommend checking out the Record Exchange. Though the records collection is the winner here, it's still a great place to check out for irreverent and unorthodox finds. I personally loved the graphic tees of the cutouts of different states, saying it was Idaho. (It wasn't.) read more

The Record Exchange has been in Boise for over forty years, and is obviously well-established at a handy downtown location. In addition to their selection of CDs, Vinyl, DVDs, there is a gift shop, a café, concert ticket sales, and they often have in-store concerts. There is almost too much ot cover in a single review. To make it easy on myself, their website says it best: "In addition to music, The Record Exchange carries: DVD and Blu-ray discs (new and used) Turntables and other audio equipment Vinyl accessories Home and portable audio accessories Clothing Hats Books Magazines Posters Espresso (Downtown Boise's first espresso bar!) Jewelry Incense Candles Gifts Home wares Toys Action figures Collectibles (including kidrobot) Greeting cards Games Sunglasses Stickers Kids stuff Candy bars Weird stuff you didn't know you wanted until you saw it!" I hate to say it in a review, but I am almost afraid to go into this place, because I know I'm gonna spend at least twenty-five bucks, as I did yesterday, on one new, and two used CDs. The used CDs were in great shape, no issues playing them. The choice of artists reflects my age, Vangelis, Dire Straits, and Tom Waits. I know; I know, that's a strange combination, and had I deeper-pockets, I would have purchased still more. The choices are all-but endless. I've not tried the food at the café, but I did get an espresso drink on one past visit, and it was quite good. As a San Francisco guy, the Record Exchange reminds me of a couple of places, which were located on Haight Street --- funky, and good at it. If you are visiting Boise, you simply must visit this wonderful, local business. read more

Record Exchange - Music & DVDs Near Me - Boise, Idaho

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Just walk in here and you are instantly taken back to the 80's and even the 90's. No better feeling. Wacky gifts, music, and smell all help create the nostalgic feeling from the past. The internet is gone, cell phones aren't invented yet (or if they are it was the kind on Saved by The Bell), social media was obsolete and you probably had a side ponytail. Yes, this is the best time travel you can ask for! Stop on in for a gag gift, a cute gift, Idaho swag, jewelry, cd surprise grab bags, vinyls, instrument parts or strings, coffee, fun, and maybe even a live concert! read more

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MEH Great entrance. Making sure we understand some safety precautions. Looking around, having a good time. Picking out some gifts on a regular. Visit. BOOM I get to pay. Put it on my rewards. BOOM. Ahhh, I mentioned my rewards program. Asking for my name. Sweet. Are you at so and so street. Uhn. NO Ok guess I'll use this one. Wait... WTHeck does that mean? Do I get my rewards. This has happened before. Same checker. Not feeling good about my buys. May return. Some items based on principle and good customer service... Or lack of. 95% of the folks that work there seem geniluinely helpful. In the end, I did not have that feeling read more

Really professional high class service and staff. Easy to use online and remote. Highly recommend.

Love the staff! Very welcoming, greeted and follow covid protocols. Job well done! They have a wide variety of incense! read more

Record Exchange - Music & DVDs Near Me - Boise, Idaho

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This is the big place in town. Thousands of used and new records. There's a good sale bin and the staff is super friendly. It's rare to see an attendant working the room asking if you need help. But here you do. I found some cool new wave rarities and college rock here. read more

Holy smokes this is a fantastic store! I have been to countless record stores across the county and I got to say, Boise you have a gem here! The Record Exchange was conveniently located 3 blocks away from the hotel I was staying and I had a few hours to kill so I walked over in the cold to check it out! I'm so happy I did! First off the store is immaculate, for a store that has been around since the 70's the place is super clean and organized! They have everything from fun toys, to clothes (sock anyone), to books, to a cool little coffee shop, and to the good stuff the music! I know the store is legit cause I found a few things you don't see everywhere! Like a couple Nilsson records I did not own, a bunch of rad bootlegs, Record store day exclusives and I found Odetta sings Dylan for my pal's b-day! They also had the Christopher the Conquered album I produced so that was cool to see in the store! The staff was great, I had fun talking to the guy working, and I told him I was from Iowa, so he wanted to show me the Idaho t-shirt that say Iowa on them, we had a laugh I spent 80 bucks and then I got a latte from the coffee shop side to end my visit! I could have spent hours in here! They even have a little stage for in-store performances! I must say, I can tell why this store has been here since the 70's! It was perfect! Worth a trip to Boise alone! BOOM! read more

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An exceptional source of music and goodies. Knowledgeable staff and great surprises each and every visit. Even if you don't live in Boise, plan a visit. read more

One of my Happy Places on Earth. Every time visiting the daughter in Boise, this is my destination #2 (after seeing her...C'MON!) Came back with an excellent haul AGAIN! First time, an 8-Track of a record I was looking for and other great CDs I found to round out the collection (don't get rid of your hard copies of audio.) This time I scored some very reasonably priced 45's and new stuff I've been waiting for. Gawd, it is super nice to have brick and mortar record shops around. Not to be patchouli-ish but this is fantastic organic harvesting of record/cd/tape treasures. (Ok, this is what happens when you get the high of finding cool stuff in a groovy shop in a right-on town...geez, it doesn't stop!) HIGHLY recommended. read more

Record Exchange - The 45 score. - Music & DVDs Near Me - Boise, Idaho

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After spending some time in Ireland and seeing both Tower Records/Golden Discs retail shops and looking at independent music stores, I appreciate our local Record Exchange even more. It has a great selection, very incredibly friendly staff who can order whatever you want that is not on hand, and it's just a great shop. Long live the Record Exchange! read more

Just like my personal policy of visiting libraries in unknown territories I have one for visiting vinyl shops in unfamiliar areas, as well. We were staying near by and I was referred to this place by my GF's uncle. He said it was cool and I should definitely check it out. We hit the spot up and it's a very tiny version of Amoeba Records but would beat anything around my neighborhood to a pulp. It's also as indy as it can get and they have deli/coffee shop/stationary/odd gif store attached to it called The Edge, I believe. Me and the GF spent some time going through their vinyl selections and they do have some good stuff. I ended up buying the Gone Girl soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross on vinyl and she bought me Incubus's S.C.I.E.N.C.E album for me as a B-day gift. She also bought some vinyl for herself. The Tree Fort Festival was going on and one of the bands playing that night at The Knitting Factory was going to play a free show at The Record Exchange's stage. We left before they started, though. I would also like to point out that for those that are getting into vinyl out there in the Boise area and are unsure - they offer a $299 vinyl starter package. It includes an Audio Technica Automatic Turntable (I have the very same one), two speakers, and an amplifier. It's nothing fancy but you'll be in the world of vinyl in no time. They also sell vinyl crates to store that precious vinyl. I was talking to a friend of mine who is from Cleveland and he mentioned that there used to be several Record Exchange's in his state but they all went out of business, so I cannot confirm if this location is the sole survivor of the chain. On the receipt it said The Record Exchange #1, so I don't know if that means it was the first one or just that it's the only one still standing. In any event - if you're out here in downtown Boise then get your ass over to The Record Exchange for your vinyl/music/movie fix. read more

Record Exchange - Purchased at The Record Exchange. - Music & DVDs Near Me - Boise, Idaho

Such a cool vibe in this place and I loved the fact that they had a coffee shop inside! (Who wouldn't?!) Definitely worth a stop off if you are in downtown! Plenty of great gifts to peruse through and records/cd's to keep you busy browsing read more

Loved that store sincerely. It was always a surprise to find a decently priced rare item and you know I am not in the age where people like much to be surprised I'd prefer standardized tasks and predictable outcomes most of the times. And we live in a humble area so the source of unanticipated amazement can go both ways and is more often than not fairly distressing. Here I only experienced gratifying shocks. We go to Boise not very often and some of our visits are better planned than the others. Imagine we are here for the week end and my favorite artist is performing in Boise all the tickets are sold out and yet he will play at Exchange where I can walk from my hotel buy his new CD and get it signed. And even have our picture taken. I am for temperance in all things including working hours and spending habits and while it is not the cheapest I have this feeling it is Ok buying from them because it supports the good cause they even sell cassettes and I like some of the antique/vintage stuff. And I know where YouTube is and fully aware some items are sold on-line, but nothing can replace this human touch and feeling and some customized items can not be easily found elsewhere. read more

I recently bought a vintage console and needed a new needle. While they didn't have what I needed, John was so helpful to help me look up the type I needed. He even emailed me the link to order the correct one, and sent me a number to someone who could help service my unit if needed. Browsed their vinyl selection while in. I could spend all day flipping through them. Will definitely have to go back and make some purchases. read more

I seriously want to buy just about everything in this store. If you need a gift its the perfect place, there is something for everyone! Records, clothes, wine glasses, candles, or Idaho stickers....the possibilities are endless there. read more

What a cool store! There is a ton of history in the building. They have something for everyone and really unique things that you wouldn't normally find. Need a cassette player cleaning kit? Check. New or used record player? Yeah that too. Socks with an otter riding a motorcycle holding a gun... Grand Theft Otter? Yup. Come in, grab a drink from the cooler or the espresso bar and just browse. read more

I bought maybe 6 records or so from here. When checking out they didn't tell me that I had a double of one. So, about a week later I go to return the double. They tell me I can only get store credit and they it is posted. I asked where. It was in like 12 font, to the left or right of the register on the little wall thing that maybe stands 6 inches tall. Which also has stuff in front of it so that you can't see the policy clearly. If you weren't looking fo me it there is no way that you would see their policy for returning records. Don't shop here. That is just shady business. At least put it in bigger font right where you place the items you want to buy so that we can actually see what we are getting ourselves into. read more

Record Exchange is one of the last places to go for music and movies. The saddest part about this is that they are in Downtown Boise. Unfortunately, I cannot visit them as much as I should. They sell used albums and movies. You can come here to find the most random music that you can ever imagine. They have whosits and whatsits galore. There are random key chains, wallets, posters, mugs, clothes, and anything that you can probably find on stupid.com. I have been coming here lately because the Prince singles and albums have been re-released. There were a few that I never had a chance to buy until now. Sometimes I get something random from here and it kind of turned into a habit for me. Last year, I found a wallet with Prince's mug shot. They have grab bags of albums. I do not pass these up. You can get 5 CDs for about two bucks. 7 45's for about two bucks.These are the best thing that ever happened. I get the most cheesy albums for a small price. Just because they are records I am happy. I really don't care as long as they are records. They have been around for a while and I hope they never go away. It would be a sad day if they closed. read more

I used to love coming to this store and while I understand they need to implement mask wearing, they have taken it to a whole new level and their employees will follow you around making sure your mask is over your nose the entire time and that you are following the arrows. I was in the corner nursing my daughter under a nursing cover, with my mask on OVER MY NOSE, the very tall employees came up and looked over me and asked if I would replace my mask with one of theirs since mine wasn't tight over my nose (but still was covered!!) while I'm nursing mind you- in the corner- by no one! I was asked so many times it's almost like they have controlling issues and we are all adults: HATED THE WAY I FELT IN THERE. Will never be back! read more

I'm so happy with this place. They even allow my dogs to come in. I live every part of this place. It's so amazing and pretty. My dogs loved it there, everybody's was nice to them and my dogs a trained so they were nice in the shop. I absolutely love how when your done shopping you can get a nice drink from their cafe. I love there rings too, very good prices and good quality. read more

Got a little lost because how much was in here! Should spend more than an hour in here because there's so much intresting and unique things! More than a record shop but the collection is great! Staff was super friendly and helpful. read more

The record exchange is always a classic. I love going here with friends and it's my go to spot when hanging out downtown. They have so many different genres of music, both in vinyl and CDs. There's posters, gifts, clothing, jewelry, etc. It's a great place and I'm so glad it's still going strong. One of my favorite places in Boise! read more