Fort Collins’ Bizarre Bazaar in Review
If you’ve ever driven north up South College avenue, you might have seen this small building with a red roof and a red sign that reads “Bizarre Bazaar.” If you’ve ever driven past this strange building with a strange name and have never stopped by to see what this strange place is, then I’m here to tell you why the Bizarre Bazaar is worth your time.
According to Milly Stilinovic of Forbes.com, vinyl record sales increased by 32 percent, adding up to $416 million in 2015. It’s popularity has not only been driven by hipsters who still use their grandfather’s old record players, but by a younger generation who want to discover pieces of the past.
According to Kate Rogers of CNBC, MusicWatch reported that half of vinyl record players are under the age of 25.
People like me who find comfort in music that holds a little bit of history not only find vinyl records aesthetically and musically pleasing, but fun to discover as well.
I first discovered the Bizarre Bazaar when I was looking for vinyl records to play on a record player I had gotten one Christmas. My sister recommended the Bizarre Bazaar, and although I had driven past it many times, I never really knew what the place was.
Located just off of South College avenue and Garfield street, the Bizarre Bazaar is a unique place for music, books, movies and more. My visit was all about their vinyls, looking at availability, quality and ease of access.
At first glance, the building itself is a bit old and outdated. According to Josie Sexton from The Coloradoan, the building used to be a Mexican restaurant called Las Salsitas until Bizarre Bazaar moved from its location on Linden street to College avenue. Nonetheless, the building has become the perfect setting for old vinyls and record players.
Decorations of album covers crowding the walls in the main room and a playlist of old and new music playing through the speakers, entice you to explore the rest of the store.
Bizarre Bazaar states that there are over 15,000 vinyl records available in their store. The records are organized alphabetically by genre and then by artist. Although there are clear signs of where things are, the store could use a bit more organization.
Sami Jones, who wrote a Google review, said,
“Really neat place. Kinda messy, but I think it adds to the atmosphere!”
There are crates on the floor, overflowing with records and songbooks, but the employees make it known that they would be happy to help you sort through them if you just ask.
Any of the opened records can be tested in the store on one of the few record players that are available. This helps ensure that any of the records you plan on buying has good sound quality and doesn’t skip.
The Bizarre Bazaar has also recently started offering a service that repairs the skips on vinyls, for $5 on the first skip and $2 each for any additional skips. Their website notes that not all skips can be repaired.
As a music lover who loves everything from rock to classical music genres, finding a record store that houses just about any music genre was key for me.
The Bizarre Bazaar did just that. Not only was Bob Dylan’s “Spanish Boots of Spanish Leather” — one of my favorite songs — playing through the speakers as I walked in, but I found (almost) everything and more.
In another Google review, Trip Renner said,
“Love this place! Finding records in good condition is pretty hard, but bizzare bazaar has them in spades. Everything from obscure singles to jazz staples to hardcore punk can be found here.”
Anything released in the past year or two was not readily available on vinyl at Bizarre Bazaar, but I think that’s what makes the store unique. It emphasizes an old-timey feel that stores like Urban Outfitters has tried to encompass for many years, who offer brand new vinyl records.
With quality records starting at $4, Bizarre Bazaar provides a calm atmosphere where you can discover old and new music. Whether you’re a hipster or someone who just likes to enjoy things of the past, Bizarre Bazaar is always worth the stop.
Bizarre Bazaar is open from 10 a.m. — 7 p.m. Sunday to Monday and 10 a.m. — 8 p.m Friday and Sunday.
