Vinyl Chickie Named Philly Region's Best Record Store

GLENSIDE, PA — Vinyl Chickie has only been open for a few months. But that didn't stop the shop from receiving recognition as the best record store in the Philadelphia region.

Philadelphia Magazine gave the Glenside shop its "Best of Philly" award for the top record store in the region.

"OMG!, OMG!, OMG!," Owner Lisa Schaffer said after hearing about the announcement. "So grateful."

Here's what the magazine said about Vinyl Chickie:

"Glenside’s Lisa Schaffer has always been a music fan: She’s professionally photographed pop stars such as Taylor Swift and worked at a Chestnut Hill record store for six years. Now she’s opened this adorable record paradise with a tightly curated collection of new and near-perfect-condition used vinyl that includes a local section, plus turntables and all sorts of fun music gifts, like Grateful Dead tarot cards and song lyric stickers."

Over two months ago, Lisa Schaffer turned an idea into a reality: She opened a record store.

The self-described "music nerd" opened Vinyl Chickie at 2256 Mt. Carmel Ave., a stone's throw from the iconic Keswick Theatre, where concerts are frequent on the calendar.

Big Star, Thin Lizzy, Phish, the Grateful Dead, Green Day, and the Ramones are showcased under the concert photographs, and her record bins feature new and used records, and some gems. She also buys old records.

Vinyl Chickie even features a "Rare Gems" bin with offerings by Black Pumas and her current best seller, Sun Ra taking on Batman. It's an eclectic collection, to say the least. There are also records by groups from the local Philly scene, which Schaffer supports.

(Dino Ciliberti/Patch)