Inside the small storefront plastered with posters, a customer made his way through the front door carrying a bag so full of records he struggled to make his way down the aisle. Smiling, he walked to the back of the store, where he called out a friendly first-name greeting to owner Alan Heffelfinger.
It’s a scene that could only happen in a local record store like Oak Park Records, located at 179 S. Oak Park Ave., one of three independent music retailers in Oak Park, along with Chicago Digital, 905 S. Oak Park Ave. and Val’s halla, 239 Harrison St.
These stores not only sell music, they create community and culture. Stepping through their doors means stepping into rooms that smell of old records, with posters of musicians and album covers from every genre covering the walls and ceilings. Val’s halla even has a stage with instruments, where musicians and singers can perform live music.
Despite the rise of online music, a pandemic that shuttered many local businesses and the challenge of staying afloat financially, these stores have all proven their resilience to the Oak Park community. Owners and employees report that despite these ups and downs, business is better than ever, as customers see vinyl and CDs as timeless pieces of artwork that provide a physical connection with their music.
Employees of these stores share that enthusiasm. Shayne Blakely, the store manager of Val’s halla said he’s, had a long-time dream of working around music. Beginning at the age of 12, he began “pressuring” local CD stores to hire him. Years later, he met Val Camiletti, the local legend behind Val’s halla, and she gave him a job. He has devoted 23 years to Val’s halla Records, more than half of his life. “[I’ve] pretty much dedicated my entire personality to this place,” he said. “It’s just fulfilling to do so and talk to people that are as passionate about it as I am.”
For many businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic was an exceptionally trying time, as it brought a loss of revenue, customers and overall community among all workplaces. However, for some record stores, such as Oak Park Records, COVID was an opportunity for great success. Hefflefinger said, “The popularity of records during the pandemic was huge because people stuck at home were starting to look at the whole collection.”
Blakely added, “Quarantine year was maybe one of the best years we’ve ever had business-wise because everyone in the world had nothing but time and nothing but bad news. So all they wanted was escapism media.”
After COVID this business continues to thrive partially due to younger generations’ growing interest in this form of art. However, the perseverance needed to keep these businesses running is not influenced by money. Instead, motivation comes from the passion and love these owners have for this art. Blakely said, “If I had to sell, you know, Bic pens, I couldn’t be happy…I couldn’t be excited in the morning and satisfied at night.”
Furthermore, Chris Miller, owner of Compact Digital, said, “I’m going to be here until I can’t climb up that ladder,” referring to the wall filled with hundreds of CDs behind his desk.
To further experience the power of community in record stores, check out Val’s halla Young Artist Open Mic, typically every Second Sunday of every month. The next one is on Sunday, May 12 at 3 p.m. To sign up, go to the Vall’s halla website and fill out the Google form. Participants are welcome to use the instruments provided, and this event is welcome to performers of all levels.
