The Realities of Running a Record Store
Interview with Terry Cole of Plaid Room Records
In this episode of For the Love of Vinyl, host Scott Orr sits down with Terry Cole—co-owner of Plaid Room Records in Loveland, Ohio and the mastermind behind Colemine Records—for a candid and insightful look at what it takes to run a successful record store in 2025.
From customer buying trends and pricing strategies to the legacy of “dollar bin” records and the reality of managing inventory, Terry shares it all.
“We’re not just selling music. We’re selling stories, connection, and discovery.”
We also dive into the emotional connection people have with their collections, what records fly off the shelves (spoiler: Rumors still rules), and how Plaid Room blends in-store charm with a robust national web store. A must-listen for vinyl lovers, record store dreamers, and indie label nerds alike.
Whether you're a seasoned crate digger or just starting your collection, this episode is a rich mix of industry insight, nostalgia, and practical advice for anyone passionate about physical music.
Listen to older episodes of our podcast, check out our free resources for independent record labels, or learn how to start your own record label.
