“Wednesday is Student Day at Yellow Racket Records.” You may have seen the posters up around campus advertising Chattanooga’s newest record shop.
Photos by Yellow Racket Records
Run by a former Scot with big plans for the future, Yellow Racket Records occupies a 1920s storefront on Main Street. (Handy hint: if the parking spots out front are full, you can pull around back to find more parking.) The building used to contain three retail spaces that have been joined into one to create a cozy yet spacious environment. Huge windows along the front of the building filter bright, autumn sun onto racks of records containing everything from Haydn to Hamilton.
The store’s existence is something of a miracle; Yellow Racket Record’s lease started in March 2020, and there were plans for a grand opening in April. Instead of a grand opening, however, Ben Vanderhart, the owner and creative director, was forced to navigate opening a small business with a quarter of the expected startup capital while learning to operate that business online. Lockdown forced Ben and his team to put their creativity to work, and they launched a website in June (select t-shirts, CDs and posters can still be found on their online shop).
On August 24, the brick-and-mortar Yellow Racket Records finally opened. A sense that people wanted more record stores in Chattanooga helped lead Ben and his band to open Yellow Racket Records, and their expectation was soon proven accurate. Within the first two months, Chattanoogans snapped up 3,000 records from the shelves.
The space itself is part of the charm. The unique flow of three spaces joined into one creates a homey and inviting atmosphere for browsing or enjoying a cup of Goodman’s coffee from the coffee station. Mismatched armchairs stand in a circle next to an old, coal-burning fireplace, warmed by the sunshine pouring through expansive windows. “I think this space appeals to people who listen to records,” Ben said, “people who listen to records don't do it for convenience. It’s about the experience, the intentionality, the tactility.”
Records aren’t the only attraction. Well-loved tattoo artist Danny Siviter (@templepainter on Instagram) works in the front of the shop. He is usually there from nine to five on weekdays, but, if you’re thinking of hiring him for your next tattoo, better think ahead; he is currently booked through the end of November and expects to fill his last slots of 2020 soon.
Even more exciting things are still to come. A small coffee station by the checkout will one day become a full coffee bar (so file that away for a future study spot). The coffee bar will be built to accommodate evening concerts by local and traveling artists, providing a community hub for music lovers. Once the public health concern over high-touch surfaces subsides, Ben looks forward to installing listening stations to enhance the experience.
For now, there is plenty to enjoy at Yellow Racket Records. Whether you are hoping to decorate your dorm with a 25-cent record from the Salvation Station or you are an avid record lover searching for new finds, Yellow Racket Records has you covered.