This Long-Running Arizona Record Store Stocks Vinyl, CDs, And Cassette Tapes Under One Roof

Picture a teenager barely out of high school deciding to open a record shop, then keeping it alive for nearly four decades. That is the wild reality behind one of the most beloved music havens in Arizona, where vinyl, CDs, and even cassette tapes still share the same shelves.

It sits quietly in a plaza off a busy Phoenix road, easy to miss but impossible to forget once you step inside. For anyone who loves flipping through physical music and chatting with folks who genuinely care, this spot is a treasure worth finding.

A Music Landmark on W. Camelback Road

Right off W. Camelback Road in central Phoenix, at 12 W Camelback Rd, sits Stinkweeds Record Store, a genuine cornerstone of the local music world.

It shares the neighborhood with another vinyl shop down the street, so record lovers often make a double stop while they are in the area.

What makes the location charming is how it hides in plain sight. Regulars mention the shop is tucked into a plaza that does not face the street directly, which only adds to its reputation as a hidden gem.

You almost feel like you are in on a secret when you pull in.

Parking sits conveniently in the back, so you can slip in and out without fuss. Once you find the door, the small footprint opens into a world packed with sound.

Being a record store at heart, it leans into everything physical music has to offer. For Arizona residents craving that tactile thrill of flipping through albums, this place delivers a satisfying payoff for very little effort.

It is the kind of find you tell friends about.

From a 19-Year-Old’s Dream to a Phoenix Institution

Back in 1987, a 19-year-old named Kimber Lanning took a leap that most people twice her age would hesitate to try. She opened this record shop in Mesa, and against all odds, it stuck around.

Nearly 39 years later, that youthful gamble has blossomed into a Phoenix institution. The store moved a few times over the decades before settling into its current W.

Camelback Road home in 2003, its fourth and final address so far.

Longevity like this is rare in the world of small independent shops. Music formats came and went, the industry shifted around it, yet the store adapted and endured through every change.

There is something deeply reassuring about a place that has outlasted so many trends. It carries the weight of history without feeling stuffy or dated, which is a tricky balance to strike.

For Arizonans who remember the early days, walking in feels like reconnecting with an old friend. For newcomers, it offers a living piece of local heritage.

Either way, the story behind those doors makes each visit feel a little more meaningful.

A Thousand Square Feet Packed With Treasures

Don’t let the modest size fool you. At roughly 1,000 square feet, the shop manages to feel like a whole universe of music crammed into one welcoming room.

Visitors often marvel at how much is packed into such a compact space. One shopper described walking through and finding lots of stuff filling every corner, even for a store on the smaller side.

It is a happy kind of density.

Rather than feeling cluttered or overwhelming, the tight quarters create an intimate treasure-hunt vibe. You brush past bins, crouch to reach lower shelves, and keep discovering new pockets of surprises.

Word is the store is currently expanding to make room for even more finds, which longtime fans are thrilled about. More space means more of the good stuff they already love.

Small footprints can actually work in a shopper’s favor. Instead of wandering aimlessly through a warehouse, you cover the whole collection in one relaxed pass.

Everything feels reachable and worth your attention, and that coziness is a big part of the charm here.

Vinyl, CDs, and Cassettes All Under One Roof

Few shops today bother stocking all three physical formats, but here you can grab a record, a CD, and a cassette tape in a single trip. That variety is a big part of the shop’s identity.

Vinyl clearly leads the way, with both new and used records filling the bins. Shoppers rave about the new vinyl selection especially, though the used sections hold their own gems too.

CDs remain a steady favorite for folks building or refreshing their collections. One visitor happily walked out with a remastered rock disc and a fresh sealed album, both at prices that beat online listings.

Cassettes deserve their own shout-out. In an age of streaming, seeing tapes on the shelves feels like a delightful throwback, and several customers specifically mention the cassette selection as a reason to stop by.

Turntables are also available in the store, so you can see gear alongside the music. Whether you are nostalgic for a certain format or curious to try one out, this shop meets you wherever your listening habits happen to land.

A Genre Spread That Covers Every Mood

Craving punk one day and mellow jazz the next? The genre range here has you covered no matter which way your taste swings.

While the shop proudly leans toward independent music, its shelves stretch far beyond any single niche. You will find indie, alternative, and punk sitting near metal, dance, and boogie sections.

Keep digging and the variety only grows. Country, hip hop, jazz, blues, soul, funk, world, and reggae all earn their spots, making it a true one-stop shop for curious ears.

Shoppers appreciate how welcoming this spread feels. One regular noted that anyone can walk in and find music they like, whether they lean mainstream or hunt for obscure corners.

The jazz section gets specific praise from a few visitors, and the punk fans keep coming back too. That balance between accessible hits and deep-cut discoveries is tough to pull off in a small space.

For Arizona music lovers who refuse to be boxed into one style, this breadth is a genuine gift. You never quite know what will catch your eye, and that unpredictability keeps the browsing fresh every single visit.

Digging Through the Used and Discount Bins

Ask any seasoned crate-digger and they will tell you the real magic lives in the used bins. Here, those bins are stocked with finds you simply won’t spot at the bigger chains.

Prices on used vinyl earn steady praise for being fair and honest. One shopper scored a 1975 record he wasn’t even looking for, while another walked away with a hard-to-find punk album.

The discount section is its own adventure. Regulars suggest pulling up the step stool and digging for a while, since items get marked down over time and often hide real bargains.

There is a thrill to not knowing what you will unearth. Records that couldn’t find a home at higher prices wait patiently for the right person to flip past them.

Even shoppers whose taste didn’t quite match the shop’s leanings still left with something interesting. That says a lot about the depth stacked into these bins.

For budget-minded browsers, this is where the payoff shines brightest. A little patience and a willingness to dig can turn a few dollars into a genuinely satisfying haul.

Everything Alphabetized and Easy to Find

Ever spent an hour rummaging through a messy record shop and left empty-handed? That frustration doesn’t exist here, and shoppers notice the difference immediately.

Organization is one of the store’s quiet superpowers. Customers repeatedly mention that everything is alphabetized regardless of which bin it lands in, which makes finding, or not finding, a specific album refreshingly simple.

Labels are clear throughout the space. One visitor pointed out that everything is laid out so you are not stuck rummaging blindly, a small touch that saves plenty of time.

Another shopper called it the most organized selection they had seen compared to other record stores, with everything neatly tagged. For a shop packed this tightly, that level of tidiness feels almost impressive.

The highly curated approach also helps. Regulars note you don’t need to do heavy digging to land on good stuff, since the staff already filters for quality.

Good organization turns browsing from a chore into a pleasure. Whether you have a wish list in hand or just want to wander, the thoughtful layout means every trip stays low-stress and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish.

Friendly Staff Who Know Their Music

The heartbeat of any great shop is its people, and this is where the store truly shines. Kindness from the staff comes up again and again from visitors.

Helpfulness here strikes a rare balance. Shoppers describe the team as friendly without being overwhelming or in your face, giving you space to browse while staying ready to jump in.

Their music knowledge runs deep. One customer setting up their first turntable said the staff patiently answered every newbie question and made them feel genuinely welcome.

Manager Lindsay Cates, who has been with the store for over two decades, anchors that welcoming spirit alongside owner Kimber Lanning. Their combined passion sets the whole tone.

The team loves talking music too. One shopper joked the staff sometimes won’t stop chatting about records, which is exactly the kind of enthusiasm you hope to find.

There is even a story of a customer planning a themed event who got spot-on album recommendations to match. That willingness to go the extra mile turns a simple errand into a warm, memorable experience worth returning for.

Listening Stations for Sampling Before You Buy

Buying music blind can feel like a gamble, but this shop takes the guesswork out of it. Generous listening stations let you sample before you commit.

With around 80 stations available, there is rarely a wait to give an album a spin. You can preview that intriguing cover before deciding whether it earns a spot in your collection.

This little perk changes the whole shopping rhythm. Instead of rushing a decision, you slow down, put on headphones, and actually enjoy the music in the moment.

It is especially handy for discovery. Curious about an obscure artist or a genre you rarely explore?

The stations let you take a low-risk chance on something new.

Turntables in the store round out the experience, so both the gear and the music get their moment. That hands-on approach reflects the shop’s whole philosophy.

For anyone who has ever regretted an impulse buy, this feature is pure reassurance. You leave confident that everything in your bag is something you genuinely want to hear again, which makes the whole trip feel worthwhile.

A Champion of Local Arizona Bands

Beyond selling music, this shop actively lifts up the artists making it right here in Arizona. Supporting local bands is baked into its mission.

In-store performances happen regularly, turning the retail floor into a lively little stage. These events bring artists and fans together in a way that feels intimate and genuine.

One visitor stumbled onto an album listening party for a well-known band and picked up a few CDs while soaking in the atmosphere. The vibe at these gatherings gets steady praise.

Discovery goes both ways too. A shopper from out of town happily mentioned finding awesome Arizona music they had never heard before, thanks to the store’s spotlight on homegrown talent.

The walls double as a community bulletin, with event flyers and release trackers keeping everyone in the loop. It functions as a hub, not just a store.

This dedication to the local scene has earned the shop a reputation as a pillar of the Phoenix underground music community. For anyone who cares about keeping Arizona’s creative spirit alive, that commitment makes every purchase feel like it matters.

A Women-Run Shop With a Community Heart

Run by women who genuinely love what they do, this shop carries a distinctive community spirit you can feel the moment you walk in. Owner Kimber Lanning and longtime manager Lindsay Cates lead the way.

Their philosophy centers on shared discovery. Nearly all the inventory goes straight onto the floor for customers, rather than being hidden away or hoarded behind the counter.

That openness reflects a bigger belief. The joy of finding something unexpected belongs to the shoppers, so the team makes sure the treasures stay within reach.

Their impeccable taste in music and dedication to independent artists give the store its soul. Both women have poured years into the place, and it shows in every thoughtful detail.

Cates alone has been part of the story for over twenty years, a rare kind of loyalty in retail. That continuity helps regulars feel like they are visiting familiar faces.

For customers who value authenticity over corporate polish, this women-run approach is a big draw. It feels less like a transaction and more like joining a warm, music-loving family that truly wants you to leave happy.

Selling Your Records and Extras Worth Browsing

Got a stack of records gathering dust at home? This shop will happily take a look.

They buy LPs of all eras and genres, with the one exception being 78s.

The terms are straightforward and fair. For items in good condition, you can choose 40% cash or 60% store credit, giving you flexibility depending on your plans.

Store credit is especially tempting since there is so much to browse. Turning old albums into new discoveries is a satisfying cycle for any collector.

Music isn’t the only thing worth flipping through here, either. The shop also stocks books, magazines, and shirts for fans who want a little something extra.

Audio gear rounds out the offerings. Essential equipment and accessories are available, and staff have helped newcomers pick out receivers and speakers for their first turntables.

One shopper delighted in the free zines, catalogs, and flyers to take home, a nostalgic touch in a digital age. Between selling, buying, and browsing the extras, there is always a reason to linger a little longer than you planned.

Hours, Parking, and Planning Your Visit

Planning a trip is easy since the shop keeps generous and steady hours. It stays open until 8 PM most days, giving you plenty of flexibility.

Weekday visitors will find the doors open Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 8 PM. That evening window works nicely for anyone squeezing in a browse after work.

Weekends shift slightly. Saturdays run a bit longer, from 10 AM to 8 PM, while Sundays offer a shorter, relaxed stretch from noon to 6 PM.

Finding the place takes a touch of attention. The store sits at 12 W Camelback Rd in central Phoenix, tucked in a plaza that doesn’t face the street directly.

Parking is refreshingly simple. Multiple visitors point out convenient parking in the back, so you can leave the car and stroll right in.

If you are chasing a specific album, it helps to ask. Staff can often order titles from their suppliers when something isn’t on the shelves.

A quick call to 602-248-9461 or a peek at their website can save you a wasted trip.

Why This Phoenix Gem Is Worth the Drive

After nearly four decades in business, this little Phoenix shop has more than earned its devoted following. It has landed on countless best-of lists for the city and the state.

Recognition reaches beyond Arizona too. National mentions, including a spot on a top 50 record stores in the US roundup, confirm what locals already know.

Shoppers describe it in glowing terms, from the best record store in greater Phoenix to a favorite discovery among all the shops they have visited. Fair prices come up constantly.

The whole experience adds up to something special. A curated collection, welcoming staff, listening stations, and a genuine community spirit make even a quick stop feel rewarding.

Whether you are a lifelong collector or simply curious about physical music again, there is real joy in slowing down and flipping through album covers by hand. It is a low-cost afternoon with a big payoff.

For Arizona residents and day-trippers alike, a visit here is an easy recommendation. Pack a little patience, bring an open mind, and you will likely leave with a new favorite tucked under your arm.