A new vintage vinyl record store, NX Vinyl, has opened its doors at 125 Lawrenceville Street in Historic Norcross. The store, founded by Norcross resident Ron Orrell, celebrated its grand opening on April 20, 2024, with a big turnout that included live music, food, drinks and friends.
A lifelong dream realized
Orrell’s passion for music began at a young age.
“My grandmother bought me a Mickey Mouse record player when I was five, and I have been hooked ever since,” he reminisced.
Growing up, he spent countless hours in record stores, with one of his favorites being Records Galore in Clarkston.
“Ken Waldrop, the owner of Records Galore, was a consistent supporter and a wellspring of knowledge for me over the years,” said Orrell.
Orrell’s pursuit of music grew from records to live shows. His travel plans usually include at least one concert while he is in town.
“I have been to several hundred concerts over the years, including seeing the original Grateful Dead over 30 times and the Rolling Stones eight times. These days when I travel, it is usually to see a band. Last spring I traveled to Las Vegas to see Billy Idol perform a very special show on a helicopter pad in front of the Hoover Dam, as well as traveling to Amsterdam for a Rolling Stones show,” Orrell recalled.
From concept to collaboration
For as long as he can remember, Orrell wanted to open and operate a vintage vinyl record store. He needed to wait for the perfect timing for his dream to become a reality. In the meantime, a career in the mortgage industry kept him busy.
Upon moving to Norcross, Orrell began to share his idea of opening a vintage vinyl record store with friends, each eager at the idea. One friend, Charlie Franck of Video Innovations, became a trusted source of traction and inspiration.
Orrell wanted to create a music experience for visitors and customers, including listening rooms and a vintage vinyl borrowing program. Franck’s idea of incorporating a video screen along with Orrell’s vision, began placing the pieces together.
“I shared the idea of incorporating a video screen aspect with Ron’s vision of vintage vinyl. We’re drawing from the Blockbuster Video Store experience from VHS rental days. We both envisioned creating something more than just a record store. We want a music experience for visitors and customers,” Franck said.
Securing the perfect spot
The search for the perfect location for NX Vinyl was a journey in itself. Orrell and Franck scoured the streets of Historic Norcross, exploring potential venues and weighing their options. Orrell considered Franck’s “Video Innovation” as an ideal co-tenant for the store due to similarities and common interests in music.
When they stumbled upon the Cotton Gin building in June 2023, a historic landmark steeped in history and character, they knew they had found their home. Once a hub of activity for local farmers in the early 1900s, the Cotton Gin building now stands poised to become the center of musical exploration and discovery.
The vinyl experience
NX Vinyl opened its doors to the public on April 20, 2024 – and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Vinyl records have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years.
According to a report by Statista, in 2022, more vinyl records were sold than at any time in history. In 2023, the United States saw a 14% increase in vinyl album sales, with 49.6 million sold compared to 43.46 million in 2022. This marks the 17th consecutive year that vinyl sales have grown in the United States. In 2023, vinyl sales also generated $1.35 billion in revenue, a 10.3% increase from 2022.
“I am so excited to see a younger crowd listening to and collecting vinyl records. They have discovered that it is a totally different experience than streaming music. With an album, you can touch it, read the liner notes; often stories or song lyrics that come in an inner sleeve of a record. You are listening to the way the musicians and producers intended it to be on an album,” said Orrell.
“The sound from an album versus streaming is also very different. A vinyl record has a deeper sound and can achieve higher high notes and lower bass notes that get lost when a song is digitally compressed for streaming,” he added.
Orrell emphasizes that vinyl offers a unique listening experience compared to streaming.
“Records sound better played on a turntable versus streaming on Bluetooth. The music on an album reaches higher high notes and lower low notes. Anytime you stream, the music is compressed. It still sounds good, but not as good as on an album. Listening to an album, people tend to listen to a side, which is put together by the artist and music producer to go in a certain order and flow,” Orrell explained.
“Additionally, an album will have the full album art that the artist or band created. Many albums have the lyrics or liner notes printed on the inner sleeve. There’s something about being able to hold and feel an album that you won’t get through streaming,” he described.
Rare finds and hidden gems
As visitors flock to NX Vinyl to browse its collection of vintage and new vinyl records, they’ll also have the opportunity to explore memorabilia and compact discs. Additionally, the store features music photography and rare finds.
Orrell shared some rare vinyl experiences, noting that the rarest album he’s seen is an original copy of the Rolling Stones’ “Sticky Fingers” with a working zipper designed by Andy Warhol. In his store, the rarest album is currently a remastered copy of Queen’s “A Night at the Opera.”
A community center for music lovers
Creating an inviting atmosphere is crucial to Orrell’s vision for NX Vinyl. “I am trying to create an inviting vibe where people want to spend the time flipping through the record bins for a half hour to an hour. Live music will be a part of this,” he explained.
Supporting local artists is a significant part of NX Vinyl’s mission.
“I plan on supporting local artists by providing a great venue to feature their music. NXV would also make a very good spot for music rehearsal space for bands,” Orrell said.
The inclusive environment at NX Vinyl extends to everyone, including four-legged furry friends.
“At NXV, everyone is welcome, including our four-legged furry friends. The staff that works here makes up a very diverse group that all work well together,” he added.
Orrell also highlighted the communal aspects of NX Vinyl.
“One of my favorite things about having a record store is meeting new and interesting people and hearing stories about music or going to concerts. Music can often take you back to a memory from the past. The first album I sold was a Tito Puente album. It was sold to a gentleman who is a musician and produced a photo of him and Tito. He has played with Tito in the past,” recalled Orrell.
A local impact on Historic Norcross
Orrell already feels welcome and supported by the Norcross community.
“I see NX Vinyl as an important part of downtown Norcross. I am a member of the Historic Norcross Business Association. All of the businesses have been very welcoming to me,” he said.
Orrell’s goal is to make NX Vinyl a destination for music lovers. The unique approach is poised to bring people from all over the country.
“Record fans will come from all over to check out the store and bring some new visitors to the area. Already I have had customers come in and shop and then ask, ‘Where is a good place to eat?’ This area is perfect for spending a day strolling down South Peachtree Street and eating and shopping,” Orrell said.
NX Vinyl plans to have a presence in the local music scene, including the concert series in Thrasher Park, Jazz in the Alley and the Bluesberry Festival. He also hopes for continued collaborations with Cultivation Brewery, Social Fox Brewing and B&W Burgers & Brews.
The impact of a vinyl record shop in Historic Norcross will drive new visitors to the city, many of whom have never visited Norcross. These visitors will want to visit additional one-of-a-kind businesses unique to the downtown area, driving new revenue for the downtown economy.
Many visitors to NX Vinyl will be able to walk to restaurants, gift shops, microbreweries and other small businesses, with ample parking next to Norcross City Hall. Vinyl record shoppers span all ages, from teenagers to retirees, who enjoy both new and classic genres.
Building a legacy with family and friends
As NX Vinyl continues to grow, Orrell’s commitment to creating a vibrant musical community in Norcross remains steadfast.
“Short term, I plan on growing the store. Long term, I plan on leaving the business to my son, who is currently in a music program at Middle Tennessee State University,” he shared.
With its unique blend of vintage and new vinyl records, live music events and community partnerships, NX Vinyl is poised to become a cherished destination for music lovers far and wide. For more information about NX Vinyl, visit their store at 125 Lawrenceville Street in Historic Norcross, or contact them at 770-769-2220. Follow NX Vinyl on social media for updates on new arrivals, live events and special promotions.
Photo caption: Charlie Franck (left) and and Ron Orrell (right)
