Wax Moon Vinyl and Video, nestled in Richmond's vibrant Scott's Addition, is more than just a store; it's an experience. With a 4.8 rating based on 222 reviews, this independent record shop offers a diverse collection of music-related items, pinball machines, and a unique atmosphere that has made it a cornerstone of the Richmond community.
Wax Moon boasts an eclectic collection that spans genres from death metal to old-school country. Music enthusiasts can explore an unmatched selection of metal, post-punk, and dark wave vinyls. The store buys, sells, and trades vinyl records, cassettes, t-shirts, posters, and VHS tapes, making it a haven for collectors and those seeking nostalgic finds. The horror VHS and DVD collection is particularly noteworthy, offering everything from classics to cult classics.
According to one reviewer, Andrew, the owner, is happy to make new recommendations that will open new doors. The t-shirt and clothing selection is good quality thrift with some really rare items that you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Beyond its impressive media collection, Wax Moon features a horror-themed pinball arcade in the back. For a flat fee of $10, visitors can enjoy all-day play on a variety of rare pinball machines. The arcade has expanded massively and has some of the rarest pinball machines you’ll find anywhere. They host tournaments that are so fun and approachable even if you’ve never played before.
One visitor, a member of the Richmond Pinball Collective, praised the incredible value and the great working condition of the games, which include many Stern Premium games and older classics. He also appreciated the friendliness and helpfulness of the owner.
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Wax Moon is more than just a retail space; it's a community hub. The staff is known for being friendly and knowledgeable, readily engaging in conversations about music and movies. One reviewer recounted a conversation with an employee about cassette collections, highlighting the personal touch that sets Wax Moon apart.
Andrew Griimoiire, the owner, described Wax Moon as Richmond's, stating that he is just steering the ship. He recounted the store's humble beginnings as his living space and recording studio and the slow but steady formation of a local community dedicated to music and pinball.
Reviewers consistently praise Wax Moon for its unique atmosphere, extensive collection, and helpful staff. One reviewer described it as a "great quirky little place" to find used vinyls, tee shirts, and other interesting items, recommending a visit after stopping by a local brewery in Scott's Addition.
Another reviewer, who has been shopping at Wax Moon for two years, stated that they can’t imagine life without it now. They praised Andrew for being kind, welcoming, and helpful in both finding things they already enjoyed and also discovering new music. They also noted that the metal, post punk, and dark wave selection is unmatched in the city.
However, one reviewer noted that some items might be overpriced compared to other stores, citing a specific example of a Celtic Frost album.
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Wax Moon began as a shop for gothic and punk-adjacent music before expanding into a wide variety of genres. A customer once asked Griimoiire about a Soul and RnB section, which prompted him to create one, leading to one of the best selections in the city.
The store's inventory grew as its audience did, initially being a shop just for gothic and punk-adjacent music, before spiraling into the great variety that can be seen today. Griimoiire recounted going months without using a kitchen, the storefront being shot at by an unintelligible assailant, and the slow but steady formation of a local community dedicated to the music (and the pinball) of the location.
After Wax Moon got its footing as a record store, it became a record label as well. Like the store, Griimoiire’s label grew organically, beginning with the release of his own band’s album before growing to encompass other oddballs like the elusive Chilean metal band Ghâsh, who released their EP Goat through The Moon.
Wax Moon's location in Scott's Addition places it in the heart of Richmond's thriving arts and culture scene. The neighborhood is known for its breweries, restaurants, and other unique shops, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Wax Moon contributes to the quirky character of Virginia’s capital. Richmond has a number of record stores that continue to flourish with the vinyl resurgence, including Plan 9 Music, Vinyl Conflict, Wax Moon, and Deep Groove, among others.
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Wax Moon's success is intertwined with the broader resurgence of vinyl records. For most of the 20th century, vinyl records reigned supreme as the only widely available music format in the United States, before sales plummeted with the introduction of cassettes, CDs and digital music. However, starting in 2007, vinyl record sales started increasing year after year, defying the odds and surprising many in the music industry. In 2022, vinyl records surpassed CDs as the most popular physical recorded music format for the first time since 1987.
Like other vinyl stores across the country, Bland sees an increasing desire for vinyl, for both nostalgic older collectors and young people, as well as what he calls “secondhand nostalgia.” Ultimately, one of the biggest benefits of the renewed popularity of vinyl records is the preservation of record store culture, which has inspired and sustained countless musicians and fans for almost 100 years. Here in Richmond, that passion has returned.
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