Rocking out in Rapid City since 87′

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Record players, also known as phonographs, were one of the first devices people used to listen to music.

Much like a record player’s rich history, record stores became popular in the 20th century.

And one company in Rapid City has been rocking out with its customers for 37 years.

Ernie November is an independent record store that has been operating in Rapid City since 1987.

“Well, it’s always been an independent record store, but we’ve always had gifts and stuff to go with the records. It’s kind of an ever-evolving monster, we get new products basically every week, and we try to keep it fresh,” said Keith Coombes, co-owner, Ernie November.

In 2023, there are currently 1,914 record stores operating in the United States, according to IBIS World, and co-owner Coombes says, ‘You can’t beat records.’

“Music is timeless and hard copies of music are definitely where it’s at,” said Coombes.

Originally opening its doors in 1983 in Sioux Falls, four years later Ernie November would expand to the Black Hills.

“One of the main owners has roots here. He had a record store back in the day called ‘Iron Creek.’ It’s my understanding they were down on 8th and Main in the late 70s,” said Coombes.

Currently, the record store has four locations, in Wyoming, Montana, and two stores in South Dakota.

“I just want to thank Rapid City for 37 years of business, and the ever-evolving animal that we are. Come check us out if you haven’t for a while, it might look a little bit different,” said Coombes.

According to the Ernie November Facebook page, they are one of the ‘oldest and raddest record stores in town.’

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