Analog Vault brings back vinyl tradition

CEDAR RAPIDS — Honoring the tradition of independent record stores, four Cedar Rapids vinyl enthusiasts opened their own last month in the New Bo District neighborhood.

Analog Vault is owned and operated by four friends — Molly Breslin, Jim Glass, Chris Morris and Jeremy Vega.

'We're vinyl enthusiasts. This is a chance to talk to people about something we're enthusiastic about,' Vega said.

The record store has been open about a month, and Vega said he's aware of the challenges they may face.

'With the internet, you don't need a little record store,' Vega said. 'But there's just something about having vinyl in your hands instead of having a download.'

The store, located in a 15-by 20-square-foot space on the second floor of the Village Bank and Trust Building, is open four days a week for about four hours each evening. The store hours are tailored to the four owners' schedules as they each work full-time jobs — or in Breslin's case, two jobs.

Vega added they do open for events happening in NewBo when possible.

The store does carry some new records from popular or local bands, as well as turntables and other vintage items. But the majority of its stock is made up of used vinyl records, which are purchased from people in the area.

Analog Vault also provides some turntable service and repair.

An independent record store was something the owners had been talking about, but the decision to open wasn't made until a few months ago.

'Things fell into place, so we decided to do it now,' he said.

The owners signed the lease in September, but held off opening the doors until after floodwaters from the Cedar River from the September flood receded.

'We had to be sure we had a neighborhood to move into,' Vega said.

Analog Vault officially opened Oct. 28, following a soft opening on Oct. 14.

Know a business that would be ideal for 'The Ground Floor'? Contact Michael Chevy Castranova at michaelchevy.castranova@thegazette.com.

At a glance

— Business: Analog Vault

— Owners: Molly Breslin, Jim Glass, Chris Morris and Jeremy Vega

— Address: 1203 Third St. SE, Suite 11, Cedar Rapids

— Email: analogvaultcr@gmail.com

— Facebook: www.facebook.com/analogvaultcr