Where did this Columbus record store go? Owner talks relocation. See inside

Columbus record store owner Brian Cook wants to put to rest the rumors about his store’s relocation.

“There’s a lot of different ideas about why I might have moved,” he said, “but, really, it comes down to money.”

Blue Canary Records, formerly at 1250 Broadway, started moving Sept. 30 from its standalone brick-and-mortar space to a location only one mile away, inside The Vibe on 6th, a vintage market at 1301 Sixth Ave. Cook finalized the move in only two days.

“I think a lot of people were shocked that I moved, maybe a little surprised, or there was a bit of disappointment,” Cook said. “Sometimes, we have to roll with change. This was a positive change.”

Why Blue Canary Records moved to The Vibe on 6th

The decision to move into The Vibe on 6th didn’t happen overnight.

Cook said the owners of The Vibe, Michael Woodham and Candace Tilson, have been asking him to move into their space since the beginning of this year.

“Michael and Candace initially approached me when they were starting to open The Vibe,” Cook said. “I wasn’t ready to make that move at the time. Six months later, I was able to. I was in a better position financially.”

Cook said the overhead cost of his former store was steep, so downsizing was the best option.

The decrease in overhead costs allows Cook to expand inventory and acquire new vinyls and CDs he couldn’t have in his previous location. The quality of inventory is set to improve, he said, and newer titles will be easier to find at the new Blue Canary.

“I’m looking forward to bringing something more elevated without having to raise any prices,” Cooks aid. “You’ll still be able to find your gems in the store, and we’ll have the five-and-under bin and the dollar records. Everyone in Columbus is gonna be able to find something in here that will meet their price points.”

Cook also spoke highly of the other vendors in The Vibe. The community inspires him to curate a one-of-a-kind experience.

“I’m in a community now of like-minded people who want to bring something unique to Columbus,” he said.

Cook assures customers live music events will continue at the new location. He also wants to keep working closely with the owners of The Vibe to curate new events.

“What was in the old location is here now as well,” he said. “The things that [customers] were worried about losing are not lost.”

Cook posts information about live music events on the Blue Canary Records’ Instagram. The Vibe on 6th posts information about upcoming events on its Facebook and Instagram.

He also continues the buy-sell-and-trade records tradition Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Customers can bring in records to sell and trade for other merchandise.

This story was originally published October 15, 2025 at 5:00 AM.