“Black Friday” at Beverly Records Begins Today, Runs Through Season

“Black Friday” at Beverly Records this year kicks off a full holiday season of shopping for vinyl right through the New Year.

While Beverly Records will open the doors at 11612 S. Western Avenue to a throng of enthusiasts lined up for early access, savvy buyers know the record industry is spreading out the special-edition releases beyond the alternative “Black Friday” Record Store Day beginning at 8 a.m.

“The hits will keep on coming, as they say,” said Jack Dreznes, Beverly Records owner. “The industry wants to use Black Friday as a momentum builder for the entire holiday season. Our customers can expect new and exciting artists delivered everyday.”

As usual, bins of new releases for “first dibs” and aisles of discount vinyl be available to those lined up pre-dawn for the traditional opening; shopping closes at 6 p.m.

“Black Friday continues to be one of our great holiday traditions,” said Dreznes. "The biggest difference for us is the customers get younger and younger and better informed about vinyl and turntables each year."

Record Store Day

Record Store Day is an annual event dating back to 2007 "to celebrate the culture of the independently-owned record stores" – of which Beverly Records is a highly regarded shop for distributors. Usually scheduled on the third Saturday in April and every Black Friday after Thanksgiving, the designated day provides a huge financial boost to the thousands of independent record stores around the world.

Exclusive releases at these record stores means the titles are found first at indie record stores, but likely be released to other retailers or web-based stores at some point in the future.

According to industry reports, vinyl records are back and more popular than ever, continuing a decade-long growth in 2022. For the first time in 30 years, vinyl records outsold CDs in the number of units.

Dreznes cites Chicago’s Southwest side communities as a perfect answer for start-up record enthusiasts because so many generations of families have stayed rooted here in the area and parents and grandparents saved their old electronics.

“There might be some dust on those old Advent speakers or that Pioneer turntable in grandma’s attic, but it’s well worth exploring to get started with that warmer vinyl, analog sound,” said Dreznes.

Egan/Forde

Dreznes helped Beverly’s Nora Egan last year surprise her boyfriend, Liam Forde, with the purchase of a receiver, speakers and the all important high-end turntable with a reliable cartridge and stylus (tiny needle) to generate top playing performance.

Beverly Records had in stock all the complementary equipment and Dreznes stay within Egan’s budget. Forde’s spacious third floor apartment happened to have refinished hardwood floors for ideal listening pleasure from every corner of the room.

“Liam was so surprised,” said Egan. “I had the record playing as he walked up the stairs into the apartment.”

The two returned to Beverly Records a few days later and left with dozens of albums.

“We’re obsessed with vinyl now,” said Egan.

This year Forde turned the tables, surprising Egan. The Beverly native “popped the question” last Saturday, November 11 on a rooftop overlooking the city.

Now engaged, the on-top-of-the world couple will be doing some early Christmas shopping Friday at Beverly Records. Some wise man bought the couple an engagement gift from Beverly Records: Leon & Mary Russell “Wedding Album” - framed.

“And we will be there Black Friday,” said Egan.

Beverly Records is located at 11612 South Western Chicago, IL 60643

773/779-0066 Email: info@beverlyrecords.com or visit beverlyrecords.com.