Words by Cosmic Staff
Graphic by Glitter Records

BRISBANE — Tucked in a quiet alley behind Fortitude Valley’s vibrant café strip, a national milestone has been reached by Glitter Records. Founded by former music journalist Riley Fitzgerald, the Brisbane store is now Australia’s largest independently curated collection of physical media, with over 40,000 records, CDs, cassettes, and shellac records.

This achievement is remarkable not just for the size of the collection, but for the dedication behind it.

A Living, Breathing Archive: More Than Just a Record Store

Since opening in 2022, Glitter Records has evolved beyond a typical music shop. The store houses around 5,000 physical recordings, ranging from underground 7-inch singles, unique Australian pressings and shellac recordings dating as far back as 1910. Over 40,000 more items are cataloged online, making the store’s collection accessible to music enthusiasts everywhere. Each piece is carefully valued and ready for rediscovery.

It’s not just about the quantity of records; it’s about the quality of discovery. Glitter Records offers Australia’s largest and most diverse selection.

“This is about discovery on human terms,” explains Fitzgerald. “We’re not just showing what’s popular. We’re showing what’s worth discovering. Glitter Records opens that world.”

The success of Glitter Records has been built on sheer determination and long hours. Fitzgerald documents this journey in his blog, Diary of a Record Store Owner, where he reflects on the challenges of managing such a cultural project on his own.

Collectors from Japan, DJs in Berlin, and music historians in New York regularly source from Glitter Records. Despite its global reach, the store remains proudly local, deeply connected to Brisbane’s music scene.

What truly sets Glitter Records apart is the personal touch behind every decision. There are no corporate backers—just one person’s passion for preserving and sharing music.

“This is about slowing down and digging deep,” Fitzgerald says. “In a world obsessed with hype, Glitter Records is creating something here in Brisbane that will stand the test of time.”