Located behind door #7 inside of the Morrow Arts Center, a former elementary school built in 1913, Strange Records is hoping to bring all things music, vinyl, and strange to the historic river town of Morrow, Ohio. With their grand opening on February 5th, we spoke with Tara Heilman, founder and operator, about the journey so far.
1. How long have you been in business?
We opened on Feb 5th, 2022.
2. Why did you decide to open a record store?
I love talking about music and have been a record collector for most of my life. I worked in two different record stores in the early 90's and really loved connecting with folks about music. I believe all towns need a record store and Morrow doesn't have one, so instead of waiting for one to open, I made my own. It's been an idea for about 3 years, but the minute I walked into that locker room, I knew it was meant to be Strange. The rest unfolded like it was meant to be.
3. Do you focus on any particular genres of music or any specific formats?
I love records and I love so many genres that I really have stocked a broad range in Strange's selection. If we have it right now, it's probably because I dig it. I'd like to carry more punk, hip hop and indie as we grow. I appreciate all the formats, but vinyl is my favorite. We have cassettes and cds, too.
4. What are some of your best sellers?
It's hard to say since we are only a week in, but it seems like the parents who come in love the nostalgia and the kids love the new vinyl. Fleetwood Mac, NWA and quite a few Johnny Cash went out the door opening day. There's been a lot of Tyler Childers fans in this week, too.
5. What are the biggest challenges you think the store will have to navigate in the next ten years?
Growth! We are 350 square feet- Strange is a remodeled locker room, so using every square foot strategically to cram in as much Rock n' Roll as possible. We have an in house builder, so I'm sure he'll have some tricks up his sleeve.
6. Anything else you want customers to know? (do you feature live in-store performances? Have a cozy listening room, etc?).
Strange is hosting monthly performances by local acts on our stage in the gym. Local, all ages, inclusive events are super important to us and we are incredibly grateful to have the support from the Morrow Arts Center to make that happen. We support the artists in the building by carrying some of their work and we have some sweet collectibles, too! Stay Strange!
10 Miranda St.
Morrow, OH 45152
Wednesday-Friday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 4:00pm
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