YORK COUNTY, Pa. — It’s been nearly 20 years since Thomas Anderton set up his music shop in the Red Lion Borough.
Originally from England, Anderton never lost his accent but quickly called York County his home after establishing Toms Music Trade.
Over those years, he’s fostered a loyal clientele from customers of all ages.
“I’ve had people campout from, the first people arrived yesterday afternoon at 2:30, and they stayed overnight, it’s crazy,” Anderton described.
For some, he’s the go-to-guy for all things music.
“Even if its’ like a new genre you’re trying to get into, tom pretty much has it,” said AJ Ros, a frequent customer.
“He’s always wanting to help, and he also has really cool stuff, so I know I always find something whenever I go in there,” added Isaac Sheerer, also a customer at the shop.
With thousands of items to choose from ranging from vinyl records to CDs, most customers leave with something they weren’t even looking for.
Anderton will purchase stock from other collectors, often travelling across the state for music and memorabilia.
“Could be new stuff, used stuff from all over the spectrum, jazz, country, rock, raga, anything could be in these,” Anderton said.
“There’s so much out there you just never know what you’re going to get into unless you try it,” Ros said.
Anderton says he celebrates the holiday as if it’s a regular business day.
“It’s really cool to see we’re still here.”
Anderton and other local record stores experienced a boost in customers after vinyl’s outsold CDs for the first time in more than 30 years back in 2022.
He expects sales to continue going up.