A local music enthusiast is taking his love of music to the next level. Cincinnati native Timothy Henninger will open a record store on Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine later this year. For Henninger, opening a record store continues a lifelong passion for vinyl records and music.
“I’ve had so many memorable experiences in record stores throughout my life,” Henninger said in a press release. “Michael Jackson’s Thriller was the first album I ever bought with my own money, and I just kept coming back for more. I hope I can give others the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy music as I have. I want it to be a sort of refuge — a place where they can escape for a little while.”
Alien Records, named after Henninger’s cat, Alien, will primarily carry vinyl records but will also offer a collection of CDs, cassette tapes, VHS tapes, DVDs and other music-related media. The store will stock both used and new items, with much of the vinyl collection coming from Henninger’s own impressive assortment, which he has curated over the past few decades. Henninger told CityBeat that he owns approximately 30,000 records, many of which were found in local record shops like Everybody’s Records and Shake It Records. “I’m very well-known in the record stores here in Cincinnati,” Henninger told CityBeat.
Although new wave is Henninger’s favorite genre (his favorite band is Pet Shop Boys), he says Alien Records will not specialize in any particular genre. “I think it’s one of those things where the healthiest approach is to allow the atmosphere to develop on its own,” Henninger said. “So, I’m letting my genre preferences not influence the record store too much.”
In addition to selling vinyl records and other music-related media, Alien Records will offer services for repairing and servicing record players. Henninger also hopes to use the store as a gathering place for music fans, hosting live music events and music release parties.
“Bringing a record store to Vine Street is a fun way to further diversify the types of businesses in the area and add to the unique shopping experience in the neighborhood,” said Lindzie Gunnels, Commercial Leasing Director with 3CDC, in the release. “Collecting records and browsing record stores is a pastime that many people enjoy, and we’re excited to create this experience in OTR!”
The record store features a clean aesthetic, with white walls, black floors and monstera plants throughout the space. Ryan Harrigan of RH Quality Construction built stained wood record bins, and customers will be able to listen to records at one of two listening stations in the shop.
Henninger plans to host a soft opening for Alien Records on Friday, Nov. 1. Once open to the public, Alien Records will operate seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alien Records, 1207 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine.
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This article appears in Oct 16-29, 2024.