The Emporium record store hosted a grand opening event on Friday, Feb. 14 at their new location on Third Street in downtown Marquette. 

The store carries gently used vintage vinyl along with vintage toys, CDs, comics and more. 

“We also pride ourselves on tracking down that elusive recording that you’re looking for and filling special orders,” said Jon Teichman, the store’s owner.

Community members were welcomed to stop in and browse the store, something the owner had been looking forward to for months. 

“All the challenges and stress of the last four months just melted away once the first customer walked through the door at high noon on Friday and the steady flow of people continued all throughout the day until we closed the doors at 8 p.m. that night,” Teichman said. “Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word, hung up a flyer, shared the event and told their friends.”

Teichman has more than 10 years of experience in the record selling business and is eager to continue his craft. That is why this fall when he was presented with the opportunity to purchase a house on the 800 block of Third Street, he knew he should take it.

“After four years in our former Washington Street location, it was a step worth taking,” Teichman said. “The support of the larger community makes small businesses like ours thrive and grow. People showing up, reminding me every day that we’re an appreciated and needed part of Marquette.”

Teichman is especially eager to see the opportunities this record store brings to NMU students.

“We’re a short walk, bike ride, snowshoe or drive from campus,” Teichman said. “Everyone is invited to visit, listen to music, talk about pop culture and explore new sonic frontiers!”

The Emporium is also a space for the NMU Record Club to host activities, with more information on the Hub.

As one can imagine, there were some challenges that came with opening a new record store.

“Moving all of the music that we’ve acquired over the last 10 years, finding out where everything will fit and donating/letting go of those items that we can no longer use [was difficult],” Teichman said.

The Emporium also supports local musical artists by carrying their music, hanging up flyers and selling their merchandise. 

For anyone who is interested in receiving updates about The Emporium, join their mailing list by visiting: www.mqtemp.com.