Moe’s Celebrates Record Store Day with Packed Crowds
On April 18th, Record Store Day once again proved why independent record shops continue to matter—and this year, Moe’s Record Shop was right in the middle of the excitement.
In a recent article by Will Daughtry for AccessWDUN, Moe’s Record Shop was highlighted for its strong turnout, vibrant atmosphere, and growing impact on the downtown Gainesville community during one of the biggest music retail events of the year.
Who said vinyl records were a thing of the past?
Vinyl collectors dig through the hundreds of exclusive RSD releases at Moe's Record Shop (Photo by Will Daughtry)
A Crowd Gathered by Rare Vinyls & First Presses
As customers packed into the shop searching for exclusive Record Store Day releases, the energy inside Moe’s reflected something larger than just shopping for vinyl—it showed the continued love for music discovery, physical media, and the local businesses that bring people together.
Owner Leonard 'Moe' Lyons shared in the article that while Saturdays are typically busy, Record Store Day always brings a special level of excitement. This year’s celebration featured crowds browsing limited-edition releases while live music performances took place in the back of the shop throughout the afternoon.
Daughtry also noted the continued rise of vinyl records nationwide. Even in an age where nearly any song can be streamed instantly, vinyl sales surpassed $1 billion in 2025, continuing nearly two decades of growth. That momentum was clearly visible at Moe’s, where longtime collectors and first-time shoppers alike filled the store for the occasion.
Moe’s Record Shop first opened in 2019 in Flowery Branch before relocating to the Downtown Gainesville Square, where it has become a hub for music lovers, community events, and live performances.
For Lyons, music retail has been a lifelong passion. Originally from Kentucky, he has spent nearly 20 years working in music retail and continues to host radio shows on 89.1 WBCX.
We’re grateful to AccessWDUN and Will Daughtry for featuring our shop and helping spotlight the growing music culture here in Gainesville.
Click here to read the original full article.