Why is vintage audio equipment booming?

In the heart of Manchester, a unique shop named Mars Tapes has become a haven for music lovers who cherish the nostalgia of cassette tapes. Co-owner Alex Tadross proudly states that this shop is the last of its kind in the UK, dedicated solely to selling music on cassette tapes. The business is thriving, especially since the announcement of the Oasis tour, which led to a complete sell-out of their Oasis cassette collection. Additionally, cassettes featuring 80s music, particularly those of Kate Bush, have gained immense popularity. Alex attributes this surge in interest to the inclusion of her music in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. He notes, 'We have a diverse mix of customers. Many are in their 20s and teenagers who are experiencing cassette tapes for the first time, while others are in their 40s and 50s, purchasing them for the nostalgia they evoke. ' He emphasizes that the majority of their clientele is under 30, with many teenagers visiting the shop accompanied by their parents. The shop's own branded cassette players are also in high demand, with Alex sharing, 'I’ve had people come in to buy their first cassette players. ' This trend reflects a broader movement towards vintage audio equipment, as more individuals seek to reconnect with the past. The bustling business at Mars Tapes is part of a larger trend where people are increasingly interested in purchasing and repairing old music equipment. Between 2020 and 2024, there has been a notable increase in Google searches for 'CD player repair near me,' which rose by 23%, and 'Audio equipment repair near me,' which skyrocketed by 91%, according to data from SEMRush. This indicates a growing desire among consumers to fix their old devices rather than discard them. Furthermore, forecasts suggest that the global electronics repair service market is expected to double in size, growing from $122 billion in 2021 to $240 billion by 2033. So, what is driving music enthusiasts to seek alternatives to digital music services? One possible explanation is that modern Bluetooth speakers, earbuds, and headphones often lack the character and warmth of older equipment. Sarah Dodge, a strategic design manager at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, explains, 'The market is saturated with devices that offer low prices and convenience, but they provide an impersonal, sterile experience. ' She believes that when individuals repair an item, they develop a stronger attachment to it, leading to a more fulfilling ownership experience. Mark Maher, who initially viewed fixing electrical equipment as a hobby, has witnessed a surge in demand that prompted him to leave his managerial position at a multinational power transmission company to focus on repairs full-time. He states, 'The demand got so out of hand that I had to close the contact section of my website. ' Mark operates Perton Electronics in the West Midlands and confirms, 'There’s definitely a growing trend in repairing vintage audio equipment. ' He notes that people are eager to restore various items, including Sony Walkmans, radio tape decks, and portable CD players that they cherished during their youth. Mark believes that older audio gear was built to last and is much more repairable than the latest gadgets. He also highlights a genuine shortage of skilled individuals who can repair these devices. In addition to his repair business, Mark runs a YouTube channel called Mend it Mark, which has attracted nearly 100,000 subscribers. Another notable player in the repair scene is the Fixing Factory, a repair center located in Camden, London. Dermot Jones, the manager of innovation and development, reports that audio equipment constitutes a significant portion of the repairs they handle. He explains, 'We see a variety of items, including old cassettes, CD players, headphones, speakers, and turntables. ' Dermot appreciates the durability of older equipment, stating that many of them come with service manuals and specifications that make repairs easier. He contrasts this with modern devices, which he believes are designed to break easily and are not meant to be repaired. Dermot adds, 'Manufacturers have kept repair knowledge to themselves, making it difficult for our repairers to fix things. ' Sarah Dodge emphasizes that the shift towards repairing items aligns with the principles of a circular economy, where materials are kept in use and waste is minimized. She explains, 'One of the key ideas of the circular economy is to maintain products at their highest utility and value for as long as possible. If a product like a CD player is sent to a landfill, it becomes waste. Even recycling it strips away the energy that went into creating it. ' A heartwarming story comes from Mark Hammond, who wanted to create a memorable Christmas gift for his wife, Ellen, of over 50 years. He discovered an old record player that Ellen had received from her parents when she was just 10 years old. However, the record player was broken, and Mark was determined not to throw it away due to its sentimental value. He reached out to Mark Maher, who successfully repaired the record player just in time for Christmas. On Christmas Day, when Ellen entered the utility room, she was greeted by the sound of one of their favorite songs, A Hard Day’s Night by The Beatles, playing from the restored record player. Ellen's emotional reaction was priceless, as she recalled fond memories of her cousins visiting and seeing that very record player in their home. This story illustrates how restoring vintage audio equipment can evoke cherished memories and bring joy to people's lives.