Worlds Largest Record Store, Bananas Records sets world record

September 16, 2024

St. Petersburg, Florida, United States--Bananas Music, an American record store operates two locations in St. Petersburg, Florida; the 6,500-square-foot warehouse, located at 2226 16th Avenue North, carrying over 3 million records, sets the world record for being the World's Largest Record Store, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"If you’re an avid music lover who appreciates nostalgia, visiting Bananas Records in St. Pete is in order. What’s been dubbed the world’s largest vinyl records collection, owner Michelle Allen and her husband Doug have been in business for almost 45 years," the Only In Florida says.

"Bananas Records is said to be the largest vinyl retailer in the world, with more than three million records within the collection. There are two locations to choose from - the 7,000-square-foot store and the 11,000-square-foot warehouse, both within the St. Petersburg area.

"You’ll find a bevy of records, all ranging in style, genre, and year of release - from rare items valued at nearly $500 to new releases from your favorite radio artists."

"Bananas Records, owned and operated by Michelle and Doug Allen, has been a St. Petersburg, FL fixture since 1977. Collectively, Bananas houses over 20,000 sq. ft. of new and used CDs, DVDs, audio equipment, vinyl accessories, and over three million pieces of vinyl, including LPs, 45s, and 78s," the official website says.

"People from all over the world visit and shop from our vast inventory, looking for unique and collectable records, as well as classics and new releases. Our location on 22 nd Avenue N. hosts live music and events regularly, and proudly hosts a Record Store Day celebration every April. Come explore our three unique locations!"

"Michelle and Doug are avid readers and opened Allen’s Book Store in April 1977. When forced, however, to buy a whole stack of records at a garage sale for a single Joan Baez album, records were added to the inventory," the official website says.

"Vinyl soon dominated book sales, and in the early eighties the name became Allen’s Record Exchange. In the mid-eighties the name was changed once more to Bananas Records to match other local, fruit-themed record stores.

"For over forty years, Bananas has been buying and selling rare and unique vinyl and audio equipment. Throughout that time, we have befriended all types of formats (most are still on sale today!) and we are especially excited to see vinyl make such a strong comeback, as it’s our favorite wink!"

"Bananas Records (on facebook, Bananas Records) is an American record store that operates two locations in St. Petersburg, Florida. Opened in 1977, Bananas Records holds claim to the unofficial title of “largest record store” in the United States, housing well over 3 million titles in vinyl record form," the parttimeaudiophile.com says.

"Originally opened as a book store in 1977, by founders Doug and Michelle Allen, things quickly escalated into the store selling more and more records, while eventually stepping away from book sales altogether in just a few short years. Fast forward to present time, and you’ll find that Bananas Records more than lives up to its claims to fame.

"But let’s dive into one detail. Bananas Records is actually three locations in St. Petersburg, Florida. They are as follows:
Bananas Records: CDs, DVDs, & Vinyl
Bananas Records: Vinyl Warehouse
Bananas Records: Audio Equipment Sales and Service"

"Bananas Music is an American record store that operates two locations in St. Petersburg, Florida. Opened in 1977, Bananas Music unofficially claims to be the largest record store in the United States, housing over 3 million vinyl records.

"Rolling Stone listed Bananas Music on their 2010 list of The Best Record Stores in the United States, writing, "A two-story warehouse housing nearly 3 million pieces of vinyl, this St. Petersburg monster is well named [...] Stories abound of fanatical collectors who plan vacations around all-day (or longer) excursions into its LP and 45 catacombs."

"The 6,500-square-foot warehouse, located at 2226 16th Avenue North, exclusively carries vinyl records, and unofficially claims to be the largest record store in the United States, carrying over 3 million records." (Wikipedia)

"Audiophiles, tourists, vinyl newbies, and more have all flocked to Bananas Records in St. Pete for their fix. With over 3.5 million pieces of vinyl in their collection, their claim as the largest vinyl collection in the world isn’t one we’re ready to dispute," the I Love The Burg says.

"Their main store on 22nd Ave N next to Mazzaro’s Italian Market is impressive. Complete with a country room, a stage for in-store performances, and a fully air-conditioned bargain warehouse. There’s even a listening booth where you can drop the needle and preview some of the records for sale.

"Bring a list if there’s something special you’re looking for. Their staff is super knowledgeable and always ready to help you find that perfect bucket list piece. We quickly got lost and happily overwhelmed in the stacks mixed with rock legends, dance, reggae, and aisles upon aisles of jazz. Fun fact: they also have a wide selection of speeches, foreign language lessons, and more all on vinyl."

"If you're over 50 years old, you may have had a record collection at one time, but now, those old LP's are back, and they are making new records. The younger generation is discovering music on vinyl," the FOX 13 Tampa Bay reports.

"Records are hot, and not just old school Beatles, Beach Boys and Pink Floyd Albums. Modern artists like Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and many others have new releases on vinyl.

"Our sales have increased more than 50% in just the last three or four years," says John Allen, whose family owns Bananas Records on 22nd Avenue North in St. Petersburg. It’s one of the biggest record stores anywhere, with an estimated 3 million records – old and new."

Photos: Facebook/Bananas Records