Columbia’s Beloved Papa Jazz Record Shoppe Reopens After Major Renovations

Columbia Welcomes Back the Legend: Papa Jazz Record Shoppe Reopens After Major Renovations

In the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, there’s a buzz of excitement as a beloved institution makes its grand return! Papa Jazz Record Shoppe, a cherished fixture in the Five Points neighborhood for over 40 years, has officially reopened its doors at 2014 Greene St. after undergoing five months of extensive renovations. The vibes were electric during the special ceremony held on Tuesday, attended by local dignitaries, music lovers, and, of course, the devoted staff who have brought this record paradise back to life.

A Celebration of Music and Community

The reopening celebration was a heartfelt affair, featuring Tim Smith, the shop owner, alongside Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and City Councilman Will Brennan. Smith expressed his joy about returning to the iconic location, saying, “We’ve got new flooring and infrastructure. This is the biggest upgrade we’ve ever done. Hopefully this will keep us here for another 45 years.”

Smith is confident that the upgrades will not only enhance the shopping experience but also cater to a growing community of vinyl enthusiasts. “We have a big backlog of records that we bought while we were doing this, so there are thousands of new and used records that hopefully everybody will be excited to look at,” he added enthusiastically.

Modern Improvements at a Historic Spot

One of the most significant improvements is the complete overhaul of the flooring. For decades, a dip in the floor—a consequence of a car striking the building back in the 90s—made navigating the shop tricky. Now, that issue has been resolved. Christopher Bickel, who has been the shop’s record buyer for more than twenty years, noted, “We’ve doubled the amount of space we have for putting out vinyl. That’s a huge deal right now.”

With wider aisles and a fresh layout, Bickel assures customers that shopping at Papa Jazz will now feel more welcoming than ever. “The space in the aisles is wider, so there is more access for everybody and it’s not so claustrophobic. It’s just an upgrade, all-around,” Bickel shared, radiating excitement.

Iconic Status Strengthened

As a cornerstone of the Five Points community, the significance of Papa Jazz extends beyond just record sales. Heather McDonald, the executive director of the Five Points Association, praised Smith’s dedication and the cultural impact of the store. “We are very excited for him for all the years of record sales and CD sales and music exposure that he has offered to musicians here in our community,” she remarked.

Mayor Rickenmann couldn’t help but get nostalgic as he browsed through the records. With a gleam in his eye, he remarked, “Papa Jazz has been a staple here. Not only an integral part of Five Points, but it has really stretched across generations. That’s what’s great about Papa Jazz. You can come down here and find any genre you want.” And indeed, whether you’re into rock, jazz, or anything in between, this legendary shop has something for everyone!

The Future Looks Bright

With its new and improved space, Papa Jazz is not just looking to the present—they’re planning for the future! Smith and his team are eager to foster a sense of community through music, keeping the spirit of the shop alive for years to come. As music continues to evolve and transform, one thing remains clear: Papa Jazz Record Shoppe is here to stay.

So gather your friends and make a trip down to Greene St. to experience the joy of vinyl shopping at Papa Jazz! This iconic record store is back in action, and it’s better than ever. Who knows? You might just find that rare gem you’ve been searching for!