Help bring a new record store to South Lincoln!
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Travis, and I'm raising funds to help open a record store in Lincoln, NE. It's going to be called First Day Vinyl, and my goal is to have it open in late 2022.
So, why am I asking you for money via a GoFundMe?
- In short, to show any potential lenders that the community will support this business. Every financial contribution will help the store build a more extensive initial inventory and help me lease a larger retail space.
- I'm trying to get the word out that I'm opening a record store! Even if you decide you don't want to donate, you'll significantly improve my chances of success by sharing and re-posting the GoFundMe link to the music lovers in your life. I'll need to buy from people's existing collections to start a used inventory. Please, pass it on!
How much are you asking for, exactly? Do I get anything in return for my donation?
- I'm hoping to get 500+ donors to chip in a few bucks apiece. Every dollar helps. You get the satisfaction of knowing you helped me achieve my dream, my eternal gratitude, and you're definitely due some cool swag once the store opens.
Vinyl? Really?
- Really! Here's a 30-second video showing how much vinyl sales have grown in the past ten years.
- Vinyl sales in 2021 were the highest they've been since 1989, totaling over $1 billion.
- There are more than 2600 independent record stores in the U.S.
- More than 41 million new vinyl albums were sold in the U.S. in 2021.
- Vinyl accounted for over 50% of physical album sales in 2021, overtaking CDs for the first time in decades.
Why are you starting First Day Vinyl?
- I grew up buying music during the heyday of Lincoln record stores in the late '80s and early '90s. Pickles, Twisters and Homer's were heaven for this young music lover and the epitome of cool. Every trip for a new release Tuesday or a midnight release was a special event. My goal with First Day Vinyl is to provide a space that gives the next generation of vinyl lovers that same sense of excitement every time they walk in. Collecting vinyl and being a part of the vinyl community is a lot of fun, and I want my store to be a place where music lovers of all ages can gather and feel welcomed.
Why do we need another record store in Lincoln?
- I like the record stores in town, and we're lucky to have them, but they don't strike me as particularly welcoming to people new to the hobby. First Day Vinyl will be a record store built especially for those who have never experienced music on vinyl or bought a record before. We'll provide a clean, well-organized and well-curated selection of vinyl focusing on underrepresented genres like hip-hop, metal, and country. We'll also sell new records players and speakers that are inexpensive and easy to set up.
- My prior retail experience comes from being a Blockbuster Video store manager for 13 years. The best part of the job (besides the awesome coworkers) was getting to know the regular clientele and their likes. I loved being able to put a new release in their hands every week, knowing they'd enjoy it and come back and discuss it with me. I believe buying new music should provide a similar experience. I want Lincoln to have a record store that makes every New Release Friday an event and shares your excitement at the release of every new album or reissue.
What if I've already got a collection and only want to buy used vinyl?
- First Day Vinyl will buy and sell used vinyl, CDs, and cassettes in addition to new vinyl. The amount of shelf space devoted to new vs. used is still to be determined, but I'm trying to avoid the cluttered and dusty feel that often plagues record stores that carry a ton of stuff dug out of people's basements. The reality is that to be profitable and stay open, used vinyl has to be a part of the equation. Sell me your records!
Why are you naming the store 'First Day Vinyl'?
- 'First Day' is a nod to one of my favorite Nebraska-based bands, Bright Eyes, and their song 'First Day of My Life.' It was one of the first songs played at my wedding!
- I toyed with the idea of opening a record store a decade ago, and I also debated putting it off for another decade until my kids are out of high school. I know it's a cliche, but 'Today is the first day of the rest of your life' was a phrase stuck in the back of my mind as I decided whether to take this leap. Now feels like the right time.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. My contact info is as follows:
Travis Mannschreck
Phone: (402) [phone redacted]
My extended family has a history of small business ownership in Southeast Nebraska. My dad Red had a mowing business in Syracuse, my aunt Liz ran a flower shop in Tecumseh, uncle Brian owns Mannschreck Masonry in Cook, and going back even further, my great uncle Ray had a hardware store. I want to thank them for their inspiration and for giving me the confidence to try and walk in their footsteps.
Organizer
Travis Mannschreck
Organizer
Lincoln, NE