Independent record shops in and around Stoke-on-Trent have shared their favourite Christmas songs and a standout album of the year.

There are lots of independent record shops across the city selling a wide range of music.

Some of the shops have shared their favourite Christmas song to mark the festive period.

They have also offered a recommendation for a standout album of 2025.

Music Mania

Music Mania have been in Piccadilly Arcade in Hanley for 25 years (image via Music Mania)

Music Mania have been in Piccadilly Arcade in Hanley for 25 years. The team of manager Ian, Dave and Liam sell records and CDs.

Music Mania is also a ticket agent and box office.

Favourite Christmas song: Santa baby by Kylie Minogue

Standout album of 2025: Antidepressants by Suede

Dave said: "The new Suede album was really good. It kind of came from nowhere.

"I didn't expect much from it, but it was a good album."

Rhapsody Records

Rhapsody Records opened its Tunstall shop in 2016 (image via Nub News)

Andrew has been running Rhapsody Records since April 2014 and opened the shop in Tunstall in 2016.

Andrew said: "I came here 1 October 2016 and I have been here ever since doing what I love."

Favourite Christmas song: Thank God It's Christmas by Queen

As Rhapsody Records sells older vinyl and does not deal new releases, Andrew instead offered an album recommendation for people to listen to in 2026 if they have not heard it already.

Standout album of 2025: Rumours by Fleetwood Mac

Andrew said: "I'm always getting the old favourites and Fleetwood Mac's Rumours will always sell.

"I can't get enough copies of it."

Blue Collar Records

Blue Collar Records opened in April this year (image via Blue Collar Records)

Blue Collar Records has been open in Butt Lane, Talke seven days a week since 12 April this year.

Mike Stanier, who runs Blue Collar Records, also has plans to open a trading card shop in February.

Mike said: "It's gone from strength to strength.

"It's my first Christmas in the shop so I would like to thank all the customers. It's been incredible."

Favourite Christmas song: Power of Love by Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Standout album of 2025: Romance by Fontaines D.C.

My Vinyl Record Box

My Vinyl Record box chose Grass Root by Glenn Underground as the standout album of 2025 (image via My Vinyl Record Box)

My Vinyl Record Box is a new and used online independent vinyl retailer based in Stoke-on-Trent and established in 2015.

The shop specialises in dance music but also stocks a wide range including jazz, garage, punk, funk and blues.

Favourite Christmas song: Do They Know It's Christmas? by Band Aid

Standout album of 2025: Grass Root by Glenn Underground

Matthew said: "It's just come out and there were only 100 worldwide. I managed to secure eight of them.

"It's a promo run of the official album that will be coming out in Spring next year. That's my favourite album of the year."