Record World (store)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (music stores) |
| Founded | 1959 in New York, United States |
| Fate | Bankruptcy and closure |
| Headquarters | Long Island , United States |
Area served | New York, Washington D.C., Virginia, Florida, Northeastern United States |
Key people | Roy Imber |
| Products | Records, music retail |
Record World was a chain of record stores, frequently identified as TSS/Record World (with TSS referring to Times Square Stores), that operated throughout New York during the 1970s and 1980s. Its corporate headquarters were situated on Long Island.
History
The inception of Record World/Square Circle music outlets dates back to 1959 in New York, with subsequent expansion into regions including Washington D.C., Virginia, and Sawgrass Mills in Florida.
By 1978, the chain—managed by Elroy Distributors—was actively supporting philanthropic initiatives such as the World Hunger Organization. Two years later, in 1980, Record World managed 32 retail locations and notably increased the size of its warehouse in Freeport, New York from 1,500 square feet to 20,000 square feet.
Under the leadership of Roy Imber in 1982, the chain expanded to encompass 40 stores across the northeastern United States and engaged in promotional efforts alongside CBS Records. In 1984, Record World was honored with gold album awards for the Pointer Sisters' Break Out. The mid-1980s marked further growth, with the number of outlets reaching 66 by 1986. During that year's holiday season, the company augmented its investment in radio and television advertising. The inaugural Square Circle store debuted at Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey in 1986.
Record World operated locations within shopping centers such as Roosevelt Field Mall, Green Acres Mall, and Stamford Town Center. Despite this presence, numerous stores were shuttered by 1989. Following the bankruptcy filing of TSS, the entire chain discontinued operations by 1990. In 1992, MCD Records & Tapes acquired three former Record World sites. After declaring bankruptcy that same year, Record World was purchased by W.H. Smith and subsequently rebranded as The Wall in 1993.