The Record Lounge — Attraction in Lansing

I was in the area for a wedding and had some time to kill before a flight home so I thought I'd browse around this shop. I was so pleasantly surprised! It's on the smaller side, located inside of what appears to be like a "mall" of various smaller shops (most weren't open on the day I went (Sunday) but this one was). Don't let the size fool you though. They have so many great albums in stock, including two that I never thought I'd find. I grabbed 3 for about $100, but all were sealed copies and we'll worth it. (Definitely would've bought more if I had more room in my carry on bag!) They happened to be having a listening party while I was there - not a huge turnout, but still a wonderful vibe and some great conversation with the other customers. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and if I heard correctly, I believe this is the only female-owned record store in Michigan. Will definitely stop back in if I'm ever in the area again!

I'll note (since this is something I'm always concerned about when reading reviews of new spots) that their parking lot seems very small, especially since it's in a shared building, but it seems there is PLENTY of street parking in the area so I don't see this...

There’s a younger woman who is always a sweetheart. She can easily help you find anything. Then there’s the other woman. I’m not entirely sure of her name but if she isn’t the owner she at least acts like it. She never welcomes anyone in, she’s always talking to a friend instead of any sort of work. I literally overheard (aka her practically yelling) talk trash about the selection of another record store. None of the categories really make too much sense, it’s clear that whoever organizes them isn’t familiar with a lot of different music types unfortunately. But honestly the behavior and the lack of common courtesy is what is the really unfortunate part about The record lounge. she’s even mocked/insulted people for their music tastes and questions! I’ve overheard her talking trash about certain genres or what certain vinyl certain customers were buying after they left. And I once asked her if she carried a specific album And she tried to make me feel stupid because it wasn’t in print anymore, which I already knew. It’s clear that she has no interest in any form of customer service and it’s really only there to talk to I am assuming a friend and not do any form of...

I want to love and support this local record store, but I have had two occasions now where I've tried to get a record that their website said was in stock only to have it be sold, most recently after I made a purchase. It's really disappointing that this seems to be a consistent issue.

Update: I was waiting to be notified via email, text or phone that the album I ordered which was sold was ready for me to pick it up. Then, to my surprise, I see it among the "restocks" video on the store's Instagram. I email the owner and ask if it's ready for me, get no response, so I call 45 minutes later. I leave a voicemail, then wait another hour and don't hear back. So I drove by and walked in. I gave my name, asked for my album, she looked surprised and then she went and grabbed it off the for-sale shelf where it was marked for a price $4 higher than I paid. It was out for sale. I don't understand what was happening, honestly.. whether she just intended not to make good on my purchase, or what.. but I just don't feel like I can trust doing any further business with this store. Which is a shame because I really, really liked...