Avondale · Chicago
Record Breakers
Record Breakers' current Avondale shop carries records, CDs and tapes, with a history that began in Hoffman Estates and later passed through Reggies.
Why it is worth visiting
Record Breakers has moved through several versions of Chicago-area music retail. It began in Hoffman Estates in 1988, later operated at Reggies and now occupies the Milwaukee Avenue storefront in Avondale. That history matters because older venue-linked descriptions can send visitors to the wrong shop. The present business carries vinyl, CDs and tapes, with books and equipment adding to the browse, and its buying policy keeps used media central to the operation. Owners Colin Brennan and Eric Kratz came from the shop's staff, continuing the business after earlier locations. On a current record route, pair it with Bric-a-Brac nearby rather than with the former South Side address. The two Avondale shops offer different reasons to look beyond LPs.
What you will find
New and used vinyl, CDs and cassettes, plus books and audio equipment. The online shop is a separate storefront within the same business.
Genre strengths: Indie, Rock, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soul
Buying and selling
Record Breakers buys and trades records, CDs and tapes. Call to arrange a collection assessment and confirm current buying availability before bringing a large quantity.
Getting there
2935 North Milwaukee Avenue in Avondale. This is the current shop, not the former Reggies location.
Local tips
Combine this broad-format browse with Bric-a-Brac at 2845 North Milwaukee. Use the present address when reading older stories about the business.
Keep the music going
More music. More stories. A longer tour.
Field Notes
What Was Your First CD?
People forget plenty of purchases. Their first CD apparently isn’t one of them.
Read the articleCouchLot Apparel
About this guide
CouchLot researches store information using official sources, local reporting and collector communities. This is an independent guide to a third-party shop. Inventory and policies change. Check the shop's official source before making a special trip.
Last verified 2026-09-08.