In Hamtramck, vinyl records keep on spinning

By Terry Parris, Jr.
Citizen Staffwriter

If Jeff Garbus doesn’t have it, Mike Smith does. And if Smith doesn’t have it, Garbus does. That’s pretty much been the modus operandi of Hamtramck’s two vinyl record dealers.

Garbus, who owns and operates Record Graveyard, specializes in more soul albums (though he has more then 100,000 records to choose from) whereas Smith, who does the same with Detroit Threads, tends to stock a lot of local rock and techno albums. Smith also sells a lot of vintage clothing (really vintage everything) and Detroit-influenced ware at his shop. But, still, he has a lot of records.

“I think we’re the two best record shops in southeast Michigan,” Smith said, who actually grew up with Garbus in Westland. “We bring people from all over Michigan, and all over the world. We’re destination spots for the city of Hamtramck.”

Garbus has been operating in Hamtramck since 2001. His record selling business started with metro Detroit’s Desirable Discs music stores, which also sold CDs. But now it’s just the vinyl for Garbus.

“I’ve always had an affection for them, personally. More than CDs,” Garbus said. “It’s what I love.”

Garbus just recently moved from his Jos. Campau location, which was located on the Belmont corner, to the old Piast Institute spot on Caniff.

“I did it for economical reasons and the other spot needed some repairs,” he said. “It feels like home here, home sweet home.”

The two record stores used to be a block apart on Jos. Campau before Garbus left for around the corner. But now Smith is the only vinyl dealer along that strip, located closer to Trowbridge St.

Smith and Detroit Threads have been in town for 11 years and at the current location for three.

Some people might ask why vinyl? What about CDs? What about iTunes and downloading?

“People just like records,” Garbus said plainly.

As for sales, both have said they’re doing quite fine, despite Michigan and Hamtramck’s economic hardships.

“There was a bit of a drop in recent years but record collecting has really picked up again,” Smith said.

“Of course, it’ll be a little harder but I’m hanging in there quite well,” Garbus said. “Records are entertaining and people always want to be entertained.”

For Detroit Threads, Smith said, he has other options if the records don’t sell.

“If one thing isn’t selling, something else is. I have the vintage clothes and people always buy up the Detroit stuff,” he says.

For both Record Graveyard and Detroit Threads, the upcoming “Hamtramck Blowout” weekend should bring in some buyers. Both places will participate in the festivities. Detroit Threads will be open all three nights with DJs, including Smith himself, while Record Graveyard will have bands on Saturday night. Additionally, Garbus said anyone with a Blowout wristband would get 20 percent off in his store.

SOURCE: http://www.hamtramckcitizen.com/