June Records

There’s no such thing as a perfect record store, but I really like June. I mostly seek used originals in clean shape. This store has a decent amount of used records in every week without fail along with new releases. I’m impressed with how often I see so many used records, and in such great condition! They are also very consistent with the way they grade records, which I like because so many stores are careless with grading. If a record is not on great shape they drastically discount it. Amazing quality control. Also the sections are very well organized along with carefully curated.
Their pricing of both new and used records is also excellent. Very fair prices on rare records.
Last but not least, the staff is among the most engaging, knowledgeable and nicest I’ve ever encountered shopping for records. Super straight up about anything I’ve ever asked. Great vibe.

A great new store run by a staff of passionate people. The selection is curated really well and they even stock some nice choices for turntables and audio equipment. This is definitely on a list of record shops to visit for out-​of-​towners where you’re guaranteed to snag something good.

I make a stop here every time I’m in TO. The staff always chimes in with a comment about what you’re buying. A good comment, like any knowledgable record store worker should do!
Picked up a few records that used to be pretty common in NYC but are now completely extinct down here. Glad to see it grow in size and selection with every visit.

Give June Records all your money.
Ian and Dennis have the best record store in the city, and you could pretty much pick an armful of records at random and you’d walk away with stellar picks in excellent condition, without having spent too much. The new arrivals section alone is almost guaranteed to have a wealth of records you’ve always wanted, mixed in among records you probably will want. The store goes above and beyond when it comes to stocking their neatly organized shelves with new and used LPs with stuff other stores can only dream of having.
If you are a jazz or soul/r&b fan, you’re in luck! I can’t think of where else you’d be able to find Minnie Riperton’s Perfect Angel, Grover Washington Jr.‘s Soul Box, or Curtis Mayfield’s Back To The World in the discount bins. There are always several early press Miles Davis records in stock, and frequently gems like original BYG Actuel freak-​out oddities and Motown albums that aren’t just 80s Stevie Wonder. (I would assume they make occasional trips to Detroit based on this.) Current reissues of classic albums make up the rest of the selection, as with the rest of the store.
Their rock/​pop section isn’t as overwhelming as most stores, with healthy representation from 20^th century classical, hip hop, punk and post-​punk, metal, and avant-​garde. Keep your eyes open for their sneaky staff picks section; there are always good things in there.
I should mention that their prices for both new and used records are pretty much unbeatable. (As an example, June was selling one particular Anthony Braxton 2xLP record for $ 35, and I had just come from another store asking $ 50 for it.) There is a section at the back of the store for rarities and collectors’ items, and even these rarely go beyond the $ 50 mark without good reason.
Weekly posts on their website alert you of new arrivals of both new and noteworthy used records. They will gladly put records on hold if you can pick them up within a few days – probably with a smile too because the two owners and everyone who works there are super stoked to be there, and will go out of their way to help you. Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or are just killing time, you won’t be disappointed with this place. You should probably go right now.

I received excellent service from Ian, who I believe is the owner. Not only is the staff friendly but very accommodating. I purchased a cartridge to replace one from a vintage turntable I inherited from my father. Ian went out of his way to help me change it. Pulled out his tools and made sure that it worked before I left the store. He also educated me on some turntable basics.
Sometimes when I walk into record stores there’s this instant vibe of pretentiousness. That doesn’t exist at June. I’m happy to support local indie businesses especially when they provide me with superior service.
On top of that they have a well organized selection of new and old records. Ian told me he has appraised collections for cbc and media organizations. Most of the vintage stock he has is labeled with his notes of quality and characteristics (bootleg, US copy etc.) of the record. Prices are reasonable. Definitely worth a trip June.

I finally get to June Records today and I am glad that I did. Very nice shop, well laid out and friendly.
The vinyl was a good combination of new and ‘vintage’ (used) and very well organized. I actually bought from the budget vintage bins beneath the regular stock and all my albums turned out t be in very god condition. Anytime I get five LP’s under 15 bucks is a good day.
They have a decent selection of cartridges and styli as well as turntables and accessories. The shop-​keep even asked if it was okay if he played jazz, which I thought was very cool and respectful.
The store is open and bright, with the selection very well sorted and labeled. There are a couple of tables for trying out vinyl and lots to choose from.
It is great to have another good place to find vinyl in Toronto.

Friendly, non-​judgemental staff and a cool, crisp atmosphere. You can tell the dudes are very passionate about music, and from the various pieces I’ve read online lately, supporting local independent bands and artists. I currently have a record on order there and they’ve been very attentive at keeping me updated on the status. Well-​chosen selection and sometimes the prices will pleasantly surprise you!

I moved back to the Little Italy neighbourhood in Toronto last month, and while it seemed much the same, there was one clean-​lined, unmistakably new addition to the north side of College Street. I peered out at June Records from the moving van and thought, «I’ll have to have a look in there.»
To be honest, I was skeptical from the outset. Upon a first glance through the window after store hours, I thought June was trying to glam up and capitalize on this renewed interest in vinyl culture. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
A few mornings later I found myself inside the record shop chatting with Dennis about their above-​par selection, vinyl spots in Toronto, he and owner Ian’s backgrounds, and the anomaly that is a record store that is «girlfriend-​friendly» (ie. devoid of dust and doesn’t smell like a spit valve).
These guys care about records, and from my first purchase, I have cared about this store.
This is my new record shop and each visit has yielded gems. Legitimate classics. From the hard-​to-​find but well-​priced releases to dollar bin fancies that I never would have imagined I would’ve found.
I gave June Records five stars because it truly is as good as it gets in Toronto in 2012 when you’re looking for fair-​priced records to explore, as well as new and classic releases to give, to receive, to treat yourself to.
You guys are important.
Cheers,
Perm

June Records is a new vinyl boutique in Little Italy. They carry good selection of new & used records.
Also on hand are some turntables and amps for anyone looking to set up a stereo system.