Record Revival: How The Nevermind Shop is Bringing Music Back to Burlington

Lori loves writing and music and is going to be sharing some articles, tips and thinking from her own experience. (She recently wrote an article on Modern Apizza!)

Meet Mick, the dedicated owner of Nevermind Shop—your go-to spot for all things cool, unique and nostalgic.

The Nevermind Shop in Burlington, CT, is a hidden gem for music and memorabilia lovers. This great little store offers a welcoming atmosphere with a very friendly and helpful owner, Mick Lawless, who is always eager to share his knowledge and help you find something special. With a fantastic selection of popular and rare records and cd’s across all genres, plus a wide variety of vintage posters, books, collectibles, shirts and more, The Nevermind Shop is a paradise for collectors. Their vinyl collection is impressively diverse and reasonably priced, making it easy for music enthusiasts to dig through endless treasures. Whether you’re searching for a unique piece of music history or a nostalgic T-shirt, this shop has something for everyone.

The Nevermind Shop is truly a must-visit, and to give you a deeper look into what makes it so special, we sat down with Mick to chat about his passion for the store and its treasures.

Lori: What inspired you to start The Nevermind Shop? How did your journey into opening this store begin?

MICK: My love of record collecting, which started way back in grade school. As a teenager, I would often hunt for elusive vinyl by The Monkees and The Beatles. The passion, along the way, also turned into my love of vintage posters, especially from the 1970s, and being this kind of collector just naturally morphed into a business.

From classics to modern hits—their vinyl collection spans every genre, ready to spin your favorite tunes.

LL: How long has your shop been around?

MICK: The Nevermind Shop, as The Nevermind Shop, opened in 1999 in Hudson, Massachusetts, but was limited to subletting space. The actual retail store first opened in Upton in 2008, and our second store, now in Burlington, Connecticut, opened in November, 2024.

LL: How do you get your stock?

MICK: For years and years, I used to go to flea markets and auctions, but being established the last 15 years, we are fortunate to have people bringing us stuff to our physical location. We also have 3 record distributors for new product.

LL: Do you carry any items related to specific fandoms or niche interests?

MICK: We carry anything to do with the rock and roll era, from the 1950s to current day – anything from Chuck Berry to Taylor Swift.

LL: What are your most popular records at the moment?

MICK: With the release of the Bob Dylan movie, we’ve noticed Bob Dylan records going out at a fast clip. Also, modern rap is a big category in this day and age, as well as all the classics.

LL: Do you have any rare or limited-edition vinyl?

MICK: Yes, we have separate bins for higher-end records.

LL: Do you host live events, performances, or other community gatherings?

MICK: We have, and we will continue to do so. We have more acts lined up for the springtime, mostly acoustic-type performances.

LL: How do you determine the condition of used records?

MICK: We use a multi-point grading system, from fair to mint. All records that hit the actual bins in the retail store are guaranteed. We do have selective stock under the tables starting at $2 that may have surface marks or other condition issues.

With so many posters to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect one at The Nevermind Shop.

LL: Do you carry records from local or independent artists?

MICK: Absolutely.

LL: If I am looking for a certain vinyl, can I put in an order for it?

MICK: You can always ask, and we can always check with our distributors, or put you on a want-list if it’s something older.

LL: What other kinds of collectibles do you specialize in?

MICK: Vintage and rare posters, concert tees, pop culture-related artifacts, books, magazines, etc.

LL: What are some of your favorite collectibles that you have at the moment?

MICK: In the Burlington shop, we keep high-end posters on the top shelf, which runs 360 degrees. Many of the posters from the ’60s and ’70s are dear to my heart.

LL: Do you carry limited-edition collectibles or exclusive items?

MICK: Most of the collectibles are of a vintage ilk. It’s all a matter of what comes our way.

LL: Do you offer shipping?

MICK: We do.

LL: What is your goal for the next few years?

MICK: Our goal in the Burlington shop is to be the best record store in the state.

You will find all kinds of quirky gadgets, charming trinkets, and playful knickknacks—because sometimes the little things bring the most joy.

The Nevermind Shop invites you to visit their store at 292 Spielman Highway in Burlington, Connecticut, where you can buy, sell, and trade vinyl records and collectibles. For more information, head to their website at nevermindshop.com.