Sacramento Record Stores Ride Vinyl Resurgence as Industry Bounces Back

Younger generations drive billion-dollar comeback for physical music format

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:52am

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An extreme close-up of a stack of vintage vinyl records, their surfaces reflecting dramatic shadows and highlights to create a glamorous, high-fashion aesthetic, conceptually representing the renewed appreciation for the physical format.The resurgence of vinyl records has breathed new life into Sacramento's independent music shops, as customers young and old rediscover the tactile pleasures of physical music.Today in Sacramento

Across Sacramento and the country, vinyl record sales have reached their highest levels in decades as a new generation of music fans rediscovers the appeal of physical media. Independent record stores like Rocket Records and Kicksville Vinyl & Vintage are seeing surging demand, with vinyl outselling CDs for the first time since the 1980s.

Why it matters

The vinyl resurgence represents a remarkable comeback for a format that was once considered obsolete, driven by younger consumers seeking a more tangible, screen-free music listening experience. This trend is revitalizing independent record stores and supporting the livelihoods of smaller artists.

The details

Sacramento record store owners Auggie Maravilla of Rocket Records and Tim Matranga of Kicksville Vinyl & Vintage have both witnessed a dramatic increase in vinyl sales over the past 4-5 years. Customers, including many millennials and Gen Z shoppers, are drawn to the rich sound quality and collectible nature of vinyl, as well as the desire to support their favorite artists directly. Nationwide, vinyl record sales surpassed $1 billion in 2025, outselling CDs for the first time since the 1980s.

  • National Record Store Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of April, including this year on April 18, 2026.
  • Vinyl record sales have been growing year-over-year, reaching their highest levels in decades.

The players

Auggie Maravilla

Owner of Rocket Records, a midtown Sacramento record store where he has found new life in the vinyl resurgence after retiring.

Tim Matranga

Owner of Kicksville Vinyl & Vintage, a Sacramento record store that has maintained a loyal customer base throughout the vinyl comeback.

Isabella Waller

An 18-year-old customer who appreciates the tangible experience of collecting vinyl, especially from smaller artists.

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What they’re saying

“It just sounds richer.”

— Auggie Maravilla, Owner, Rocket Records

“I never really had a period of time where I stopped collecting vinyl. Right now, there's people who are getting back into the classic rock and jazz is big.”

— Tim Matranga, Owner, Kicksville Vinyl & Vintage

“I think people just want something physical that they can actually have and play. And it's not like listening to it online, where you just hit a button, put it on your phone.”

— Tim Matranga, Owner, Kicksville Vinyl & Vintage

“Showing what you have instead of just scrolling through it. Being able to hold the music. And collecting music on vinyl, especially with smaller artists, directly helps them out. Choosing to put your money into specific artists.”

— Isabella Waller

What’s next

Both Kicksville Vinyl & Vintage and Rocket Records will be participating in National Record Store Day celebrations on Saturday, April 18, 2026, offering special deals and limited releases to vinyl enthusiasts.

The takeaway

The vinyl resurgence in Sacramento and across the country represents a remarkable comeback for a physical music format that was once considered obsolete, driven by younger consumers seeking a more tangible, screen-free listening experience. This trend is revitalizing independent record stores and supporting smaller artists, proving the enduring appeal of the album format.