Words by Cosmic Staff
Graphic by Barker Signs

This December Brisbane pays welcome to its newest music shop, Glitter Records. Now open at shop 6 California Lane, Glitter Records specializes in vinyl albums. “This isn’t all,” owner Riley Fitzgerald says. “Lovers of pop culture can also find a fine selection of books, toys, and Pokémon trading cards.”

“We have a great love of all things pop culture,” he adds. “Old and new, what we look for are items that express powerful emotions, tell unforgettable stories, or smuggle in world-changing ideas. Many are pre-loved. We feel strongly about the environment and continuing an items’ cycle of use.”

The Glitter Records Story

The Glitter Records origin story is an interesting one. It takes many twists and turns. “Glitter began in 2018,” Riley says. “And this may surprise you. It started as a psychedelic music fan magazine. You may have heard of it. Cosmic! As well as creating some dazzling artwork here, I learned a lot about this magazine’s readers. And their deep connection with music. Above all else, of their love affair with vinyl albums.”    

In 2020 Riley left his role as editor at Cosmic and decided to jump into the world of online retail. And so Glitter’s next evolution arrived. The Glitter and Gold was one part blog and another Depop. Unlike Cosmic, Glitter took a broader view of pop culture and social issues.    

Growing from Depop, Glitter expanded to Discogs and then eBay. “Three thousand packages later,” Riley says, “came another evolutionary leap. When the lease for my share office at Wickham Street came to an end, I decided to set up a shop at 6 California Lane.” 

From Depop to California Lane

After doing so much great work online Riley shares that he now wants to focus on real-life customers. He wanted to do something for people in the local community in his hometown. In late 2022, he opened Glitter Records’ doors in the heart of Fortitude Valley.

“And that’s the story,” Riley ends. “Thank you for hearing it out. I hope to see you soon.”

Glitter Records is located at Shop 6 California Lane off 22 McLachlan Street Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.

Record collectors and all interested members of the public can visit Glitter Records from 11 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Visit Glitter Records’ online shop here.

Read an in-depth profile of Glitter Records by Australian magazine The Music here.

Glitter Records’ Values 

While he was with us Riley also asked we share Glitter Records’ four core values.

They are these.

1. All You Need is Love!    

At Glitter Records we love what we do. We take pride in giving customers unique and exciting experiences. We have a great love for nostalgia. Especially when others experience it through what we have on offer.     

We place high importance on acting with love and kindness. Both as a team and during our professional interactions. We try our best to get to know every person who walks in. We are all about coming together and sharing our passion for music.    

2. People Have the Power     

Glitter Records respects, celebrates and appreciates differences. We embrace those of different ages, genders, educational backgrounds, and cultures. We celebrate the fact love for music can bring all of us together.     

This value shows in our interactions with customers. As well as members of our team. If we fail to live up to this standard we work hard to learn and improve.     

3. We are the Champions    

At Glitter Records, we strive for excellence. Whether buying from a major record label or thrifting at a local op-shop, we want quality items. Our customers deserve the best.    

4. Nothing but Flowers    

We are committed to preserving our environment for the coming generations. This is reflected in activities such as working towards 100% environmentally friendly packaging, continuing our pre-loved items’ cycle of use, and supporting environmental initiatives. We strive to make continuous improvements in our environmental practices. We love our planet. Let’s thank it.