Can you believe it’s been a year?
Last July 14, Little Lost Records’ Conor Ryan and Abbie Golec literally cut the ribbon and opened their doors during Arts on Main. Just across the road, Off the Rails Brewing was also celebrating its opening with a ribbon cutting. All in all, it was a banner day for Stafford’s downtown revitalization. Now, a year later, a lot has changed for the better at Little Lost Records.
Ryan started selling records online after lucking into 2,000 records for $500 during a trip to Maine. Opening a physical location was not necessarily on the agenda, but when the space at 83 Main St, Stafford, became available, he and Golec jumped at the chance.
The first day in business went so well that it allowed Little Lost Records to start expanding its collection, a great feeling after they poured blood, sweat, and tears into building out the space. The biggest challenge was the logistics of just having places to put all the records. Little did they know that their future business partner was in the crowd that day.
Ryan and Golec met while working for Paul Winter, a jazz musician. Golec worked on video, and Ryan was an assistant who also did freelance work mixing and mastering for other artists. These days, Golec works full-time at UConn, and the record store has completely consumed Ryan’s time. That’s why they were excited when a day-one customer and weekly visitor to the store, Randy Larsen, asked if they were interested in a third partner.
Larsen, who lives in Tolland, says he was impressed by the shop’s selection and found himself visiting so regularly that one thing eventually led to another. Ryan says the timing was perfect, as the number of albums that needed grading was becoming overwhelming. Since January 1, 2024, they have worked together to get it all done. They say there is a natural split as Ryan’s interests lean toward jazz and new indie music, while Larsen gravitates toward punk and metal.
If you have been into the store, you know that (mostly) Ryan takes the time to write notes on many of the records, designed to encourage people to try new music they may not know much about. It’s a trick he picked up from his days in bookstores, where the Staff Picks sections are a staple. Larsen says those notes often encourage people to branch out and try something different.
“The hardest part is getting people here,” Larsen says. Ryan says that even a year after opening, they still get locals coming through the door who did not know the shop was there. Stafford’s off-the-beaten-path location has its benefits, though. The small-town rents mean Little Lost Records can price their inventory more competitively than shops in Boston or New York. In fact, Little Lost Records has several Boston regulars. Luckily, Larsen says, people who love music, especially vinyl, will travel to visit their favorite spots. Typically, he says, people are blown away by the selection once they make it through the doors.
Photos courtesy of Pat Malone Photography.
The team has also found creative ways to get people through the door. They also host a “Listening Club,” which Ryan describes as a book club for music. Anyone is welcome to join, and they can join the email list to find out what they will be listening to and when. They also sell books, posters, stickers, and even plants.
“Record stores can be a little stand-offish sometimes,” says Ryan, “and we wanted it to be the opposite.” That’s evident from the moment you walk in, with a bright sunny corner for sitting, complete with a cozy bench and very healthy plants.
Photos courtesy of Pat Malone Photography.
The team, all musicians themselves, also hosts musicians for small shows. They are excited that a friend from Tiny Box Bookings is bringing small, indie acts to The Palace starting in September, with Walter Mitty and His Makeshift Orchestra and The Red Pears in October. (Coincidentally, Ryan says he saw them play in a garage many years ago.)
The increased traffic to The Palace will undoubtedly bring more people into Little Lost Records and the rest of downtown Stafford. Ryan and Larsen are already thinking about ways to tie into the renewed interest at The Palace, such as a bin that features the original artists who are playing there.
Whatever happens, it looks like their second year in business may top their first. Don’t let another year go by without stopping in.
