We love seeing all types of record stores, from online to brick and mortar to... a shipping container! Meet Jenna Anderson, the owner and operator of Way Cool Goods, pursuing her dream of owning a record store. Way Cool Goods is a pre-loved record shop at the Langford Station in Langford, BC Canada.

In her free time, Jenna enjoys watching old horror movies, playing crib with her partner, thrifting for the latest obsession, "golden picture frames are the current thing for me... and trying to sit still".

How did you get into your industry / What motivated you?

As a teenager, I would frequent the little vintage shops in my hometown. There was a record shop called 'Rock Yer World' and the owner was rad. Steve (the owner) wouldn’t give you a hard time about not knowing certain things about this band or that band. He’d teach ya about music. I thought “I’m gonna be Steve!” And here we are!

What is a day in the life like?

Bussing to the seacan, setting up the displays for the day, then processing a stack of vinyl. Once the stack is cleaned, mended, tested, graded, and priced it goes out on to the tiny sales floor. While I’m listening to albums, I’ll make stuff for the store… jewelry, pins, mystery bags, patching up vests / jackets, etc.

Favorite sale / relationship made from behind the counter?

My favourite relationships are the ones where folks feel comfortable to come in and share their day with me. I like to listen to people and their stories.

In your opinion what has been the coolest thing to come through your shop / thing you had to keep / almost couldn't put out for sale:

Oh dang! One of the cooler albums that came through was an 'Enter the Dragon' soundtrack. I put it out for sale and about 40 minutes later someone scooped it up! I wish I listened to it one or ten more times.

What has been / is the most difficult part of your job?

The most difficult part is finding space in a 8’ x 20’ shipping container. There’s a lot of shuffling of tunes. I like puzzles though, so it’s alright.

What has been the craziest experience that has happened at the shop?*

This isn’t too crazy but one time a dude came in and was like “I didn’t expect there to be records in here! I’ve been looking for something that I guarantee you won’t have.” I says “Oh yeah? What’re you after?” He goes “Made in Japan Deep Purple”. I just happened to have the album sitting on my desk and before he even finished saying Deep Purple, I was like “Bam! Right there, pal!” Hahaha! We had a great laugh.

What advice do you have for someone wanting to get into pursuing what you're doing?  

Get a cool notebook and write down allllll your ideas. Don’t worry about asking for help. The best resource is community.

What types of things are happening in your industry / with vinyl that you're excited or worried about?  i.e. innovation, or trends you're seeing.

I’m stoked that young people are buying vinyl. I hear folks say "vinyl is making a comeback..” I wasn’t aware it left!

Are you a vinyl collector yourself?  What drew you to it?

I do collect vinyl! The first album I “collected” was Cosmo’s Factory from my ma and pa’s stuff. I seem to be going after soundtracks lately… The Warriors, Easy Rider, and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly have just been added to the collection.

Who has been influential to you and your growth as a professional in this industry?

I’ve been inspired by all the local vintage / retro shops in my area… Cheers Vintage, My Mother’s Eye, Vintage After Death, Supreme Echo, and Cavity Curiosity Shop. Totally rad all around.

Anything else you’d like to add: 

Betty Davis, Harry Nilsson, Dave Van Ronk, Sun Ra, and Parliament have all been on repeat for me lately. And Headpins! And The Beaches!