Just off St Albans’ High Street, Empire Records is the sort of place you can pop into for a quick browse and still emerge half an hour later with an armful of finds and a few new listening recommendations.
Background / History
Empire Records opened in 2013, born out of a very St Albans story: a love of music nurtured on the shop floor, a changing high street, and the feeling that the city still needed a proper place to buy records. The shop’s early momentum was closely tied to local retail life in town, with roots in Chaos City Comics and a clear mission to keep physical music visible and accessible. The shop was named after the cult film Empire Records – a nod to the culture of record shops as community hubs, not just retail units. After founder Derek Watson passed away in 2015, the shop carried on in the same spirit, continuing to grow its range and its regular customer base.
Today, it’s run by a small, hands-on team: owner Marina De Sclavis, store manager Dave Burgess (who has been involved since the early days), and assistant manager Eddie James.
What You’ll Find
Empire’s shelves are designed for breadth as much as depth. Expect:
New and second-hand vinyl, with the used racks shifting constantly as collections come in
CDs alongside vinyl, useful for anyone still building a physical library on a budget
A wide genre spread that genuinely means “everything”: rock & pop, jazz, classical, hip hop, metal, punk, reggae & ska, soul/funk/disco, blues, folk, country and plenty in between
Daily/near-daily new arrivals, from fresh releases to well-chosen reissues
Extras such as band t-shirts and record storage bits that make collecting easier
If you’ve got something specific in mind, they’re known for being happy to order titles in when they can.
Experience / Atmosphere
This is a shop where browsing feels purposeful but never rushed. It has that pleasing “retro record shop” look – sleeves facing out, spines packed tight, and the sense that the next crate might be the one. Staff are approachable and properly knowledgeable: the kind of people who’ll chat through pressings, steer you towards adjacent artists, or help track down something you’ve been after for ages.
Empire also plays a visible role in local record culture. Record Store Day is a big moment here, with dedicated music fans turning up early (sometimes extremely early) for the exclusive releases and the shared buzz of the queue. It’s the kind of day that underlines what the shop does best: bringing different tastes and generations together around the simple ritual of putting a record on and properly listening.
Why Visit
Broad, well-organised genre coverage without losing the feel of an independent
Strong mix of new releases and second-hand surprises
Regular new stock and an ever-changing used section
Friendly, knowledgeable team who’ll help without hovering
A proven Record Store Day destination in Hertfordshire
Central St Albans location, close to the Cathedral and the main shopping streets
Summary
Empire Records is a reliable stop for collectors and casual browsers alike: central, welcoming, and stocked with enough variety to suit almost any taste. Whether you’re chasing a particular album, upgrading your classics, or just fancy a rummage through the used racks, it’s a genuinely worthwhile part of St Albans’ music life.
