RSD: Local shop alerts

Record Store Day shoppers are being told to line up early for Saturday, April 18, as independent shops brace for fast sell-outs of limited vinyl releases. (recordstoreday.com) In Worcester, Spin The Black Circle told the *Worcester News* it expects to carry more than 350 limited-edition titles for the event and warned that some releases will disappear quickly on the day. (worcesternews.co.uk) In Baltimore, Trax on Wax told WBAL-TV that it will open at 9 a.m. on April 18 and give a bag to the first 50 shoppers through the door. (wbaltv.com) The rush starts with the way Record Store Day works: official titles are sold through participating independent stores, in person, and many are pressed in limited quantities. The 2026 official list says the releases arrive at shops on April 18. (recordstoreday.com) The event has grown into a coordinated annual retail rush. Record Store Day says it was created in 2007 by independent record store owners and employees, and the first event was held on April 19, 2008. (recordstoreday.com) This year’s release slate is large enough to spread demand across genres, but not enough to remove scarcity. Record Store Day’s 2026 list says more than 350 special titles are scheduled for participating stores. (recordstoreday.com) In the United Kingdom, the official Record Store Day site says the April 18 releases will be sold “over the counter” at independent shops and describes stock as limited and first come, first served. (recordstoreday.co.uk) That is why local stores are focusing less on browsing and more on timing. With doors opening at set hours and sought-after records allocated in small numbers, the difference between getting a title and missing it can come down to where you are in line when the shop opens. (recordstoreday.com.au)