Record Collector was started in May of 1982 by Kirk Walther, originally as a box of used records in the back of a comic book store called Barfunkel’s. Before long, the business needed space to grow – a store of its own. Kirk found just enough room on Prentiss Street to house the expanding collection. But it wasn’t enough. The primary goal of this store was to exist no longer than a year, and to move downtown from there.
That goal was met when the store moved into a second floor space on Linn Street. It could house the records and the vinyl enthusiasts that had started flocking to the store. Along with the arrival of CD mania, Kirk continued to carry a full-bodied vinyl inventory to match the tastes of the expanding clientele. After 13 years in that location, the store moved into the Jefferson Building at 125 East Washington Street, where current owners Bobby and Alissa started working for Kirk after years of buying music from him.
In 2007 Record Collector moved to our current location in the heart of downtown Iowa City at 116 South Linn Street across from the public library.
We have always been a destination in downtown Iowa City for physical music enthusiasts and we strive to continue the tradition that Kirk started even after his passing in 2017. The long cast of employees and loyal customers throughout the years have always shaped the feel and look of our store and we are so thankful that they’ve been here to keep the doors open and swinging! We just celebrated 40 years in business and hope to serve this community for 40 more.
Record Collector’s incarnations and locations around Iowa City:
- In Barfunkel’s on Burlington Street: May 1982 – August 1984
- Prentiss Street: August 1984-July 1985
- 4 ½ South Linn Street: August 1985-July 1998
- 125 East Washington Street: July 1998-August 2007
- 116 South Linn Street: August 2007-present
We specialize in new and used vinyl, as well as used CDs and special orders, with a penchant for the odd, under recognized, and lesser known, but also embrace modern hits and popular music from most of the last century. We have witnessed many formats, from tapes to CDs to vinyl, come and go and come back again, but have always enjoyed showing folks what our favorite sound vibrations are, no matter the medium. Stop in and say hi!