FAQs
Everything you need to know about Record Store Day.
About the day
Record Store Day is the one day of the year when around 300 independent record shops across the UK & Ireland come together to celebrate their unique culture. Special vinyl releases are made exclusively for the day, and many shops host artist performances and events to mark the occasion.
Record Store Day takes place annually in April. Record Store Day 2026 took place on Saturday 18th April. Keep an eye on our news page and social channels for the next date announcement.
Around 300 independent record shops across the UK & Ireland take part each year. Use our Store Locator to find your nearest participating shop, or browse the full list on the All Shops page.
RSD exclusive releases are only available in participating independent record shops on the day itself. Releases are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and queuing outside your favourite shop is part of the tradition. Any remaining stock may be sold online by participating shops from the following week.
Not on the day itself — Record Store Day exclusives are in-store only on the day to celebrate physical record shops. Participating stores are permitted to sell any remaining RSD stock online one week after the event.
Yes. Every Record Store Day release is pressed in limited quantities, and each shop chooses which titles to order. There's no guarantee your local shop will have every release, so arrive early for the titles you really want.
No. To keep things fair, participating shops are not allowed to reserve or pre-sell Record Store Day releases before the day. Everyone has the same chance on the morning.
Taking part
Independent record shops in the UK & Ireland can apply to become official RSD participants. Visit our Take Part — Shops page for eligibility criteria and how to register your interest.
Labels can submit proposals for exclusive Record Store Day releases. Visit the Take Part — Labels page for submission details and deadlines for the next event.
Record Store Day works with a select group of partners who share our love of independent music culture. Head to the Partner With Us page to start a conversation with our partnerships team.
Still have a question?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, the Record Store Day UK team is happy to help.
