Carmarthen’s Jacksons Lane has a modest but rewarding vinyl stop in On The Flipside, a small independent record shop with a strong appeal for anyone who enjoys proper browsing, good-condition finds and friendly conversation.
Background / History
On The Flipside operates from 3 Gardd Llydaw, Jacksons Lane, Carmarthen, placing it close to the centre of town but just enough off the main shopping route to feel like the sort of place collectors are pleased to discover. The shop is part of a small but active Carmarthenshire record-shopping scene, with nearby independent stores helping to make Carmarthen a worthwhile stop for music buyers travelling through West Wales. It is not currently listed as a Record Store Day participating shop, which suits its character as a more everyday, independent browsing destination rather than an event-led outlet.
What You’ll Find
The focus at On The Flipside is vinyl, with a broad mix that suits both casual listeners and collectors. The stock is noted for its variety, with customers highlighting a good spread across genres, plenty to sort through, and records in strong condition. It is the kind of shop where the appeal lies in taking your time: checking sleeves, weighing up unfamiliar titles, and leaving room for a recommendation from someone who knows the racks well.
Rather than presenting itself as a large, high-volume store, On The Flipside works best as a compact crate-digging stop. Visitors looking for popular albums, affordable additions, unexpected second-hand discoveries or a manageable but interesting selection should find it a useful place to browse. Its opening pattern is also worth noting: the shop is usually open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am–4pm, and closed Sunday to Tuesday.
Experience / Atmosphere
On The Flipside has the feel of a proper local record shop: direct, welcoming and centred on the pleasure of finding something worthwhile in the racks. Customer comments regularly point to friendly service, a knowledgeable owner or manager, and helpful suggestions when shoppers are choosing between records.
The location down Jacksons Lane adds to its appeal. It rewards the sort of visitor who enjoys stepping away from the obvious route and finding an independent shop with its own rhythm. Browsing feels unhurried, with the emphasis on discovery rather than pressure, making it suitable for seasoned collectors, new vinyl buyers and anyone simply filling a spare half-hour in Carmarthen.
Why Visit
- A central Carmarthen record shop with an independent, personal feel.
- Strong choice for vinyl browsing, especially if you enjoy second-hand discoveries.
- Friendly, knowledgeable service and helpful recommendations.
- Good stop for collectors travelling through West Wales.
- Close to other Carmarthen music-shopping options, making it easy to build into a wider record-hunting visit.
Summary
On The Flipside is a small but memorable part of Carmarthen’s record-shop landscape. Its strengths are straightforward and valuable: a varied vinyl selection, approachable service, well-kept records and the satisfaction of finding an independent shop just away from the busiest town-centre paths. For collectors, returning visitors and curious first-timers, it offers exactly the kind of grounded, enjoyable browsing experience that keeps local record shops worth seeking out.
Millicent
I was recently in Carmarthen visiting family and popped into this shop. The gentleman behind the till was incredibly helpful and invested in my hunt for a specific record. The shop didn’t have the record I wanted as it is a rather niche artist but I did end up purchasing a different vinyl! He gave me some good recommendations and said he’d research into the genres I was asking about.
It’s always nice to interact with people who are genuinely passionate about the things they do! If I’m ever that direction again I’ll be making my way back to this shop!