We spoke to Allan, who runs Kelly's, about the shop’s history, famous visitors, Record Store Day, and the Elvis on the balcony. 

Date published: 7th Apr 2025

Local independent record shops are vital and beloved cornerstones of many communities. Opening their doors and welcoming die-hard music fans and collectors, newbies who are just getting into music, and everyone in between and beyond, they provide a space for appreciating and discovering music across decades and genres. One shop that’s been providing that much-needed and appreciated service is Kelly's Records, one of the best record shops in Cardiff.

Established in 1969, the shop’s Allan Parkins tells us Kelly's was “set up by the amazing Eddie and Phyllis Kelly. [they] built our record store on their shared passion for music, and loved to be out in the community, talking to people and learning from one another about the latest trends, signs of the times, and especially what the ‘new sound’ that people just couldn’t get enough of was.”

“Over the years, we have sold vinyl, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, LaserDiscs, and the occasional 8-track. We’ve expanded during our time in the market. We now specialise in second-hand vinyl and CDs, cassettes, and we now stock new/sealed albums with a lot of classic artists, as well as the newest and most exciting artists to date.” 

Original owners Phyllis and Eddie Kelly, 1988

 

"Where else can you pick up a vinyl, grab a pizza, and stock up on some cool comics and classic literature?”

 

Allan took over for Eddie and Phyllis, his uncle and aunt, in 1991 when they retired. The two had originally set out to create a community hub for like-minded people to bond over their shared love of music when they opened Kelly's, which is still a core value of the shop today.

Located in the vibrant city centre area of Cardiff Central Market, Kelly's attracts a diverse range of customers from ages 10 to 100. When exploring the shop's offering, you'll find plenty of the classic records that people just can’t get enough of - think Fleetwood Mac's Rumours and Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon. Allan tells us, “Our hip-hop section tends to do especially well with younger audiences, as well as our metal and hard rock section. We say to people that we try our best to make sure that anyone can come into our store and find something they’re interested in, whatever their flavour is. At the moment, it feels like we’re doing a good job at that!”

 

"We are so appreciative of our community who have supported us through thick and thin"

 

Prioritising the loyal community they’ve built over the years, visitors to the shop can find decks to test second-hand stock before taking it home, merchandise such as t-shirts, totes, and slipmats, and more. “We are so appreciative of our community who have supported us through thick and thin, and we try our best to offer them the best music experience in return in a place for them to spend some time, pick up their favourite artists, and hang out with their buds.” 

Welsh musician Kelly Lee Owens visiting Kelly's Records, March 2025 

Thanks to the shop’s location in Cardiff Central Market, shoppers can turn a crate-digging session into a full day out by exploring other businesses in the area, including an abundance of street food vendors: “Ffwrnes Pizza is a big highlight for us”, Allan tells us. “But if you’re fancying Japanese, Thai, Indian, Italian, Mexican, or Jamaican food, there will be something in here for you. Also, a big shout out to the Welsh Cake store here, they’re banging!” 

“There’s also some really cool venues and pubs to grab a drink; our personal favourites are Tiny Rebel, Mad Dog Brewery, The City Arms, Scaredy Cats, and The Flute & Tankard!”

“Due to where we operate, we feel that this gives our store a sense of uniqueness over others as we share this space with other independent businesses in the Cardiff community. We all support each other, and it’s like one big family here. Where else can you pick up a vinyl, grab a pizza, and stock up on some cool comics and classic literature?”

David Hasselhoff visiting Kelly's Records 

The shop's winning combination of history, passionate and knowledgeable staff, and its ability to foster a passionate community has seen it attract many music fans over the years. Recently, Welsh electronic musician and producer Kelly Lee Owens stopped by for a dig through the crates. 

“Other friendly faces who have popped in for a chat over the years include Martin Freeman, Loyle Carner, and Toby Jones. Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor also filmed part of the music video for his song ‘Suspicious of Me’ [at the shop], which was brilliant for us to be involved in. One which blew our minds was when David Hasselhoff popped in for a browse and had a lovely chat with us. He was papped with a Kelly's tee and tote as well!”

 

"The atmosphere is always buzzing on Record Store Day"

 

With Record Store Day 2025 fast approaching (Saturday 12th April), Kelly's is gearing up for another packed weekend of celebrating music with the local community. “The atmosphere is always buzzing on Record Store Day”, Allan tells us. “We expect to be a little busier than usual, and people from all over come to Cardiff to pick up some goodies and the latest releases. Everyone comes into the store knowing how important it is to support independent businesses, and it’s a real positive that there’s a day to highlight and support all independent record stores across the world.”

 

"A massive thanks to all our customers who have supported us throughout the years – we appreciate you so much!"

 

Even though Kelly's doesn’t officially participate in Record Store Day, they always drop new products on the day. “This year, we will be dropping around one thousand cheap 12” dance singles, alongside some real jazz and blues gems. We gear up for Record Store Day a few weeks beforehand, so we know when people come in to visit, they'll see plenty of new albums and singles in the store so they can spend the day digging and pick up a few gems and bargains!”

Our chat with Allan ended with this final message from the shopkeep: “A massive thanks to all our customers who have supported us throughout the years - we appreciate you so much!”

“If anyone reading this ever happens to come to Cardiff, make sure to visit us - seeing Elvis on the balcony is worth it alone! Whether you’re a vinyl-loving junkie or just fancy a chat, we’re always here and cherish meeting new people to share stories.” 

 

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Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

 

 

  

 

 

Header image credit: Kellys Records