Looking Local: Village Vinyl Spins a New Chapter in Sterling Heights
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~ Sterling Heights, MI - Village Vinyl is not your average record store. As soon as you walk through the doors, you are greeted with a unique blend of music that ranges from eccentric jazz to raw punk rock. This is all part of the magic that owner John Lehl, 53, has created in his shop - a place where music fills the room and brings people together.

Lehl, a lifelong musician, originally started selling his record collection at conventions and expos before opening Village Vinyl in Warren in 2017. However, it didn't take long for his inventory to outgrow the space. After months of searching for a new location, Lehl settled on a spot on Van Dyke Avenue in Sterling Heights. With more visibility, parking, and about two and a half times the space, it just felt right.

Since its opening in Sterling Heights, Village Vinyl has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. The store is clean, organized and full of personality - making it the perfect place for crate-diggers to lose track of time while flipping through rows of classic rock, modern hip-hop and hidden gems.

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But Village Vinyl's reputation extends beyond its impressive selection of records. Lehl also hosts listening parties at the store - small events that attract both regulars and curious newcomers. These laid-back gatherings allow music lovers to come together and share their passion for music.

With Record Store Day's Black Friday event coming up on November 28th - one of the biggest days of the year for record stores - Lehl is preparing for a busy weekend. He plans to open early at 8am and offer sales on new and used records.

But beyond Black Friday, Lehl has even more events planned for December and beyond. He believes that owning an independent record store is not just about selling music but also about creating a space for people who still believe in it.

According to Lehl, every indie shop is unique and Village Vinyl is no exception. The store's inventory is constantly changing based on what people bring in, what's happening locally, and what people are excited about. This is what makes a record store special - it reflects the people around it.

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During an interview with a journalist, a woman in her 60s walked into Village Vinyl and Lehl stepped away to help her find a rare pressing. After searching through digital catalogs, he was able to find a live version and place the order with just one click. This interaction is a perfect example of how Village Vinyl truly has something for everyone.

Lehl's advice for those interested in starting their own vinyl collection is to start small and listen often. He believes that you don't need to spend a lot of money on a turntable to enjoy the full sound of vinyl records. And with Village Vinyl's wide selection of used records, it's more affordable for first-timers to start their collection.

In the end, Village Vinyl is proof that the record store experience is not fading - it's just getting louder. So whether you're looking for a collector's item or just something new to spin, make sure to visit Village Vinyl at 34230 Van Dyke Ave., near Irving Road. The store is open from 11am to 7pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 6pm on Sundays.

For more updates on the diverse businesses that power Sterling Heights, as well as resources, events, and opportunities that support the growing business community, sign up for the monthly Looking Local eNewsletter. And remember, when it comes to finding great music and supporting local businesses, Village Vinyl has got you covered.

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