Record store opens in Pärnu, bringing back vinyl and cassettes

Pärnu, Estonia, has welcomed a new music store, Plaadimees, which focuses on vinyl records and cassettes. This marks the return of a specialized music shop to the city, a format that has been absent for some time. The owners, who have operated a similar successful store in Viljandi for about a decade, decided to expand to Pärnu based on customer demand.

Kristiina Kärmas, a representative of the store, explained that a critical number of customers from Pärnu frequently visited their Viljandi location. This strong interest from Pärnu residents inspired the decision to open a second branch in the heart of the summer capital. The store aims to serve the growing community of music enthusiasts who appreciate physical media.

Plaadipood, as it is known locally, offers a curated selection of music across various genres, catering to collectors and casual listeners alike. The resurgence of vinyl and cassette tapes has created a niche market, and Plaadimees seeks to fill this demand in Pärnu. The opening is seen as a positive development for the local cultural scene, providing a dedicated space for music discovery and appreciation.

The store's arrival is timely, coinciding with a renewed global interest in vintage music formats. Pärnu, known for its vibrant summer atmosphere, now has a new destination for those seeking to explore music beyond digital streaming. Plaadimees hopes to become a cultural hub for Pärnu's music lovers.

“

We were getting critically many of them [from Pärnu] visiting us in Viljandi.