There is a standalone record store in downtown Colorado Springs once again. Easy’s Records & Vintage opened Sept. 10, ending the vinyl drought since Independent Records & Video closed its downtown location in 2018.
Owners Erica Dunford and Ryan Fowler launched their concept through pop-ups in Austin, Texas, before moving to Colorado Springs in 2020. Since then they hosted local markets at Vultures and Shuga’s, then opened a small shop two years ago inside COATI called Vintage & Vinyl.
“COATI gave us the space to grow from producing unique events into a finely curated shop and helped us see how strong the appetite is here for records, vintage and physical media,” Dunford says. “We knew we wanted our permanent home to be downtown, but we were willing to wait for a space that felt right. As soon as we walked into this space, we could picture it becoming a destination for collectors, music lovers and treasure hunters looking for something unique. Then we learned about the block’s history as a home to Budget Records & Tapes, and it felt like we had landed exactly where we belonged. Easy’s Records & Vintage is honored to continue that legacy.”
Dunford and Fowler envision Easy’s as a place to browse, discover, hang out, talk music and explore unexpected finds. It is a blend of nostalgic vibes and relevant discovery.
Easy’s Records & Vintage offers curated vinyl, cassettes, CDs, VHS, vintage clothing and original band merchandise. A dedicated buy, sell and trade counter will give records, physical media and vintage clothing another spin.
It will host events and programming that supports local artists and brings people together. Future plans include record-release events, listening parties, live performances and collaborations with local musicians and artists.
“We’re excited to honor the history of music on Tejon Street while contributing to the next chapter of downtown Colorado Springs. We believe independent businesses help give a city its personality, and we hope Easy’s can become a small but meaningful part of the culture and community of downtown,” Dunford says.
“Easy’s is the kind of independent, community-rooted business that adds to the character of downtown and gives people another reason to make their way to our neighborhood, discover a place they love and keep coming back,” says Craig Compton, director of planning and economic development for the Downtown Partnership.
Easy’s Records & Vintage will be the name of the new shop, while Vintage & Vinyl will continue as Dunford and Fowler’s host brand for pop-ups, thrift markets and special events.
327 N. Tejon St.
