Marv's Record Shop

We originally wanted to stop by this local record shop cause they sometimes have a dog. No dog today, but we still had a great time. The records are well organized and even had separate sections for new releases and the upcoming Hinterland festival (which is awesome). The employee was very friendly and great to talk about music with. We will definitely be back and will check out their sister shop too.

The Marv’s Record Shop visit was one of the few highlights of our three-day trip to Des Moines - partly thanks to the super friendly and helpful employee who chatted with us for almost an hour and whose name I wish I hadn’t forgotten, and partly simply because the record store was actually open. As it turns out, almost everything worth visiting in Des Moines is closed on Sundays and Mondays. This shop is open every day from 11 to 7.
I’ve been to the Omaha version a couple of times as well, they are both great, but the Des Moines one would actually be my favorite if I had to pick just one, despite it being slightly smaller. The prices are great and the staff make you feel genuinely welcome, answering any and all questions. 100% recommend.

The best and one of very few *all new* record shops in Des Moines!

I need to update my previous rating. I was initially underwhelmed by the selection, but after repeated return trips I’ve realized that Marv’s selection is always rotating. Also, you’d be surprised at some of the absolute gems I’ve found here. All in all this is a great little record store in a cool part of town—it’s always enjoyable to stop in and browse. The employees are always very nice and helpful as well. If new vinyl is your thing, there’s nowhere better to start digging.

Incredible selection of new vinyl. I can't recall ever leaving empty-handed. Grab a drink and flip through the bins. You can't go wrong with that. The cherries on top are the occasional shows that Luke is able to put on here and at Vinyl Cup. We have found and met some incredible artists through this place.

The vibe? Great. Ainslie that works there’s? Fantastic. Great record selection and cute bathrooms <3

Only complaint is that I have yet to meet this dog that everyone keeps talking about?! Best part is they don’t judge you on your music choices. They were really respectful with the craze around Taylor Swift’s RSD exclusive vinyl when I saw some other stores throwing shade. Supporting local is always a way better deal than buying from big box stores. Much rather spend a few more bucks here than my money going to some big CEO.

Incredible shop with tons of vinyl records to choose from! They have some chairs and couches for relaxing with friends and listening to what's spinning. They also have a cooler if you'd like to have a beverage while you shop. They've even offered to order me a specific record that I was looking for that they didn't have which was awesome. My favorite record shop in Des Moines! If you're looking for some new records, hit them up!

Records are great! Jake was super helpful, he even kept the business open a bit late for us to browse. Had a great time.

Best place for new vinyl in town imo. Helpful clerks. Balanced selection. Stocks seasonal records heavy on acts visiting town which is a nice touch

A fun little shop! Great folks, great selection, reasonable pricing, and to know they care about their team, care about their community, means everything. Definitely a business I will continue to support for years to come.

Love this place. Stumbled upon the shop when walking around the east village in Des Moines. Few weeks later, dug out my turntable and connected back to music system. Then back to Marv’s for some new vinyl! Used vinyl is fun to find weird music, but new is just so good! The owner is super friendly and helped with finding things, talked about music until close. Really like this shop and hope it sticks around. Only wish they were open on Sunday's too.

My only visit so far was RSD 2022, but despite the crowd, I got a sense this was a great little shop. Owner seemed super cool. Will def be back to check it out on a not-so-busy day.

I went to Marv's with my fiance for our annual valentine's day record hunting date and it was delight. I hope to sometime catch a live show there as the vibe is really great. They had a good selection of new stuff and some bands I wouldn't expect to find in most record stores. The staff is friendly and the location can't be beat. Can't wait to go back to Marv's again!

One of the best record stores in Central Iowa. Specializes in new vinyl, but caters to all genres and eras. They do special orders as well for any title that is out of stock. Laid back atmosphere and extremely welcoming environment. Cannot say enough great things about Marv's.

I got to the store a little before they opened. As I walked away, the owner called out to me from the doorway! How nice to open early for me. Really nice guy. I was just buying a gift card, but I got the impression he would be a great resource to help you find the perfect LP.

Update: ive gone back a couple times since my initial review. Having moved to DSM from a bigger (and music oriented) city, I took for granted just having access to a record store such at Marv’s! Although the selection in smaller than Im used to, they have a great variety and Ive been able to find some new artists to listen to. Yes, you may need to still special order specific vinyls, but it seems like a quick and easy process. Not to mention the great customer service!

I could imagine this place being filled pre-covid and look forward to post-covid when they are able to have shows inside the store again.

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What a great little record store in East Village. I went in looking for a couple artists and sadly they did not have those in stock..their selection was quite small which makes looking for specific vinyls difficult. I know they are well supported by locals and I can tell how great the staff and environment is! Just wish I didn't have to special order vinyls to support them more.

Definitely check them out for RSD or if looking for vinyls, but be prepared to special order them!

Haven’t purchased anything yet from here but I’ve done a couple photoshoots here. Staff is always friendly and they have a great selection! Would highly recommend taking a look

Top-notch customer service. I had an issue with a record I purchased from this location. It was a mistake from the manufacturer and not Marv's. However, Marv's still helped me out and went above and beyond what I expected to make things right. I also had a great experience at their other location, Vinyl Cup. Both places are worth checking out.

Had the friendliest and most relaxing visit to Marv’s. Great recommendations from staff and came away with five outstanding albums. We LOVE you!