Great record and comic book store. Tons of both. Picked up a dozen or so albums and about a dozen 45s for the collection. The store sprawls out and is a little daunting trying to figure out some of the inventory. They really split genres down into sub sub sub genres which makes it a bit of a pain if you don't know the store or if you're not correctly "niching" your artist. But... they know where they have everything so if you're looking for a specific artist or album just ask. They will show you right where it is. They were also great in explaining how they chose the sub sub genre which helped to figure out a few others. I would have liked the comics to have been in their own area rather than intermixed with the records but I guess that works for them. As I wasn't on a comic shopping trip, I only gave a cursory glance through some of the boxes and made a note to bring my list on my next visit. As for CDs, they have 10's of thousands stacked up throughout the store. Racks if cds are everywhere you look. Overall great trip. Lots of inventory and very helpful staff. I will be back the next time I'm in the area. Thank you. read more

One of the most varied selections I have seen at a music store thus far. Staff were kind, friendly, and knowledgeable. Way more than just records here, a multitude of cool audio equipment is also here. Beautiful location. Couldn't recommend this place highly enough! read more

This store is a lot bigger than it looks from the outside. So many records, all separated by genre. Found so many to bring home. Store only takes cash or PayPal via QR code. Easy transaction, and very helpful staff. We will be back! read more

They have a great selection of records very organized a lot of great hidden gems. I highly recommend going at least once a month to take through the racks and the bins great value. read more

What a hidden gem! I collect MADONNA records. Yes...so there. Are you surprised? These guys have an amazing selection of vintage Madonna of over 4 decades. Full LP's and Promos! They have CD's and cassette tapes too. I will return regulary to scope out whats new. Vogue! read more

Great service. I had 2 crates of older albums. They reviewed and gave me an honest value. I recommend Welfare Records.

I've come into this shop a few times now I mainly buy cds from their hip hop section they're always restocking every time I come in there's something new I always end up coming out with at least 4 new cds the only problem I see is damaged cases which is more of a me problem I've never had issues with the actual cds good service good selection and good value overall a good record store. read more

Big improvement over the last 5 years, as they have expanded their used records collection. It is well organized and each LP has protective cover and organized by music genres such as jazz, rock, punk, disco, etc. Also there is. A wide selections of music related books. Also, there's a used CD collection. I will definitely make a return. Just a FYI, bring cash with you as it is a cash only store. read more

Great shop, vinyl selection is good. Great people to deal with. A nice shop, selection is fantastic! Not overwhelming like some shops, organized and labeled nicely. Prices are good, graded and priced appropriately. Staff is great! A regular stop for my girlfriend and me. The new shop is fantastic! Even bigger selection with the welfare touch. read more

Welfare Records - Music & DVDs Near Me - Haverhill, Massachusetts

Welfare Records is a great place to get used music and the selection is amazing. Michael the owner is a great guy and very helpful when you need to find a certain artist or band. The prices are exceptional and it's one of those stores that you look forward to going to on a regular basis. There is always something there that interests your music tastes. Although I gave up my vinyl collection decades ago, I am certainly impressed with the volume of LP's on sale at Welfare Records. It gives the store a nostalgic feeling, kind of like going to the record store back in the 80's. I am a regular customer now and my friends in Florida who visited recently and went to Welfare Records are so jealous that we have such a great used music store here and they don't ! read more

Great store! Well organized and great selections, don't forget to look down at your feet as there is plenty of good music there as well. Found some good $1 items and the vintage audio area had some nice equipment but I thought the prices were a little high. Highly recommend and parking is plentiful nearby. I will continue to stop in when I'm town visiting family, great selection and helpful staff most items I picked out were in excellent condition. I left very happy read more

Great record store. They have a large selection of records of all genres. They also have a cool section of $1 records. And no, it's not garbage. If you take some time to go through them, you can find some quite unique pieces. They also have a section of audio and hi-fi equipment. Among them some really high quality amplifiers, record players, speakers... Overall, a store you must check out if you are really into music. You will not regret it! read more

I live nearby, and it's dangerous. I've found so many good records here, from a great quality $4 Endless Summer, to a like new $10 Belle and Sebastian, to some Ween records that might not have even been opened? They have a huge selection, and not just older records, but "cool", current records too, that look like originally came from Urban Outfitters that hipsters have traded in when they needed money (or the person they were trying to impress with the entire Of Montreal discography wasn't interested). The guys who work here are really cool, and knowledgable. It's very cozy and unpretentious for a place with so much cool stuff. Oh! They also carry a huge range of speakers, stereos, turntables, video games and more. I can't leave without spending money on something, although I try not to give in! Alas, I come here every few days to check the new arrivals section... Their Siren call is just too strong. read more

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I'm hooked. Been here once and I can walk to the place. I listen to anything digital, but now im feeling the draw towards holding the album in my hand. They have a HUGE collection of vinyl, cds, and cassettes. All at reasonable prices. Can't wait to go back read more

All records I bought were in great condition for great prices. I was limited because they only took cash and I only had $20 on me, but I was still able to buy 5 lps all in playable condition. They have a great selection of popular albums and obscure ones. Unfortunately pretty much no Beatles however. I bought Bridge Over Troubled Water, The Stranger, RAM, Tapestry, and Sweet Baby James. read more

I stopped by Welfare Records in Haverhill about a year ago and was pleasantly surprised with the selection of records for an out of the way shop in small town New England. I picked up a few records and went on my way. This past weekend I decided to take the drive up to Haverhill and check out the store again. I was blown away when I walked into the store and realized it was completely renovated and looked entirely different than last time I had stopped by. The best part about the newly renovated store is they had released a ton of back stock on the floor. Their shelves are all full and I found a bunch of records that you don't normally find in stores. Staff is always helpful, and with the impressive selection of records I highly recommend checking out this store! read more

Found some great records. Staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and cool to us. Clearly a spot that has been around forever, and it shows. Lott's of cool stuff to look at, a true "old school" record spot. I'll be back even though it's 3 hours from my house read more

Great little joint. Prices are going to be as good as it gets. Many people are constantly comparing local shops to online prices (Discog's, eBay, etc), which is an unfair assessment. Selection is damn good. Hours are good. Things to know: There are two sections (Rare/ Pricier section) and the regular record isles. They are cash only. Prices are usually on the OUTSIDE of the plastic covers, where they should be read more

This place has been a honey hole for me. I have found several rare records for some pretty good prices! I'm local and as mentioned in another review, this place is dangerous. I've spent well over $200 on 1 or 2 records in there on a single trip, on a few occasions. Be sure to check it out. They also carry a bunch of vintage stereo equipment such as amps, receivers, speakers, turntables, etc. read more

Nice, organized, clean store. The recent renovations really opened up the store with there being an excellent selection of vinyl and overwhelming display of audio equipment. The last few times I was in they had a ton of dollar classical which is what I gravitate towards. Convenient street parking. Fair prices, clean stock, just a really well run business. read more

Ladies and gentleman, please allow to me to present to you a real-deal record store. This place has it all: racks of great records (including a sizable punk section -- but ALL genres), rare records that aren't just reserved for eBay, serious record store guys working there, fair prices, and the ability to get lost in there for hours. Nobody is too curmudgeony, as can happen in record shops, and the selection is perfect. I expressed an interest in a specific genre, and the owner came in just to show me the selection in the back. I might go so far as to say this is my favorite shop in Massachusetts. Enough said. read more

Great little record store. Better selection of metal and punk records than most, and prices are reasonable...the owner even offered a bulk discount for buying multiples. Cash only, but I think there's an ATM next door. read more

Best record shop I've ever been to on the north shore, hands down. I started my afternoon down the street at the Haverhill Salvation Army. While scanning their almost non existent inventory of records, I started talking with this old timer who recommeded I check out Welfare Records down the street. I ended up spending 2-3 hours sifting through Welfare's selection and was really impressed. Then I started talking with Mike, the owner, and he let me go into the back and scan through records that hadn't been put out for purchase yet. Ended up dropping $175 and got nearly 30 records. Didn't intend to spend that much, but I guess I got a little excited and carrried away. Will definitely be returning. Mike read more

Welfare is the best (used) record store around. Great selection of all genres, well organized, fairly priced. Staff is friendly and helpful if you need help. read more

Best record store you'll go into probably anywhere on the east coast. Similar to Amoeba Records in San Francisco - not as big, but way cooler. It's like walking into a time machine. And great selection of used equipment. Highly recommended. read more

My favorite records store! Mike is great, super knowledgeable and always willing to negotiate if you think a better price can be reached. But the majority of their records, tapes and CDs are in good shape and priced accordingly. Plus they have some amazing vintage stereo gear at really good prices. Best of all, if you're not happy, Mike will work hard to make sure you leave satisfied with the gear or records you were looking for. Shops like this are a rare. Super rare. If you love vinyl and vintage stereo gear, you HAVE to visit Welfare. read more

Don't try to sell your records to these guys. Went in person once and was told "my Boss does that". Wasted a trip. Subsequently have called 3 times and told the boss needs to be here. "When is he there" I don't know was the answer. Pretty frustrating. Heading to the place in Newburyport. read more

I'm almost reluctant to leave a review because I don't want to give this place away, but they are fantastic. They put out the records they have, not holding back the best to try and sell it on eBay. Great prices and great selection. And all the guys that work there are great. read more