It’s a common joke/greeting in New Jersey to ask someone, “What’s your exit?” So, when brainstorming a moniker for his record shop in Bayonne, owner Robert Henry named it 14a Records. That’s because 14A is the exit for Bayonne on the NJ Turnpike. “I wanted to give the shop a local feel,” he explains.
14a Records sells new and vintage records, tapes, CDs, and rare imported vinyl records. The shop curates an array of genres including rock, jazz, house, punk, and hip hop. They also purchase collections regardless of size, an opportunity for anyone looking to earn cash for their records. “I sell a little bit of everything,” Robert says. He mainly buys records from the 1960s or later. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be something I like,” he adds. “A record in good condition will find its way to the right customer’s hands.”
Listen to The Best of New Jersey Podcast!
Timeless Tunes
With such an eclectic mix of music, there’s something for everyone at 14a Records. But according to Robert, the shop’s No. 1 seller is “Is This It” by The Stokes. “I love this record and it’s good to see people are still discovering it since it’s nearly 24 years old.”
In store, he often plays “Sonic Joy” by Pascal & Baya Rays, a popular though lesser known tune. He says it’s “a mellow but funky jazz record” from a Finnish record label. “It’s a little hard to come by in the United States, but I love carrying interesting records from around the globe.”
14a Records also accepts customer feedback when it comes to what’s available in shop. In fact, Henry enjoys finding special orders for customers looking for a rare or lesser known record.
Of course, Robert knows that anyone can shop online for music. “I feel buying online is great if you are searching for something specific,” he says. “But being in a record store is a great way to browse and discover new sounds or maybe something you might have forgotten about.”
About 14a Records
Future goals include having local artists or DJs play in the shop. “I think through customer feedback, the shop will morph into what it will become,” Robert explains. “I have my own ideas, but I’d like to mix them in with what people are looking for in a record shop.”
Robert has lived in New Jersey for 27 years and specifically lived in Bayonne for one year. “I really wanted to open the shop here for the local community. I’ve been collecting records since I was kid and always wanted to open a shop,” he says. Prior to opening 14a Records, he spent about 20 years selling records either online or at record fairs. “Opening a shop was always the goal.”
Visit 14a Records at 952 Broadway in Bayonne. Look for them online to learn more.
Click Here to Find More New Jersey Services.
All Photos: © Robert Henry
 favorites.){kind=link}