Wax Trax Expands to Denver’s Northside, Bringing Vinyl Culture Back to the Neighborhood
After more than five decades as one of Denver’s most iconic record stores, Wax Trax has officially opened a second location — this time in the city’s Northside (West Highland) neighborhood. The new shop, located at 32nd Avenue and Meade Street, marks the area’s first dedicated record store since the mid-to-late 1960s, reviving a piece of Denver’s music history that many locals didn’t realize they were missing.
Co-owner Pete Stidman, along with his brother Sam Rosenberg, led the buildout of the new space, which they celebrated with a lively Grand Opening weekend featuring live bands, DJs, giveaways, food, and community festivities. The excitement from nearby residents has been overwhelming, with many saying, “Finally, a record shop!”
According to Stidman, the expansion was fueled by both passion and practicality. “Vinyl is back in a big way,” he said, noting that Wax Trax now sees customers as young as their teens. “We believe records will always hold an appeal that streaming can’t replace.”
But there’s also a business side to the move. The original 13th Avenue location has faced challenges over the years — including repeated car crashes into the storefront, flooding from clogged storm drains, and, most recently, the removal of protective bollards by the city. Opening a second location provides resilience, ensuring Wax Trax can keep spinning even if the unexpected strikes.
The Northside store also allows for growth, creativity, and more community events. The space features new record racks crafted by TJ Rivers, a vibrant MF Doom mural by Jher of Landmark Tattoo, a sleek wooden interior by Nelson Ross, and a new exterior sign designed by Oddworldsigns. “This time, we wanted the space to feel both classic and fresh,” Stidman said.
Wax Trax hired two new employees from over 150 applicants, choosing staff who not only love music but bring new skills in stereo repair, web design, and retail management. “Our staff is the heart of Wax Trax,” Stidman emphasized. “We’re not just selling records — we’re building community.”
As for the name, the choice was deliberate. “Everyone who’s lived here a long time still calls it Northside,” said Stidman. “It’s our way of honoring that pride and our family’s roots in the neighborhood since the 1950s.”
For now, the team is still stocking the shelves and settling in, but the message is clear: Wax Trax isn’t just growing — it’s doubling down on Denver’s love for vinyl and its commitment to keeping music culture alive.
Wax Trax Northside is now open at 32nd & Meade, inviting all Denver music lovers to dig through the bins, meet the crew, and celebrate a new chapter in a legendary local story.
