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In the heart of downtown Hobart at 218 Main Street, you’ll find more than just a record store — you’ll find a destination for music lovers. Celebrating its 8th Anniversary, Tom Lounges Record Bin has become a cornerstone of the local music community, blending decades of industry experience with a welcoming, old-school atmosphere.
A Name That Says It All
Owner Tom Lounges brings nearly five decades of experience in the music industry — spanning record retail, music marketing, media, radio, print, and concert promotion. Tying his name to the store was intentional, connecting longtime followers of his career to this brick-and-mortar passion project.
As for the “Record Bin” portion? Tom has always stored his personal vinyl collection in crates — or “bins” — making the name both nostalgic and fitting. While the shop carries CDs, cassettes, 45s, and other music-related items, vinyl LPs are unquestionably the heartbeat of the business. In fact, customers often call asking if CDs are available — but no one ever calls to ask if they sell vinyl. The name says it all.
Meet the Owners
Tom owns and operates the store alongside his wife, Alice Lounges, whose behind-the-scenes work plays a vital role in the business’s success. While Tom is the hands-on, “old school” presence in the shop daily, Alice manages much of the administrative and social media side of operations.
A Lifetime in Records
Though the Hobart storefront opened in March 2018, Tom’s history in record retail dates back to 1977, when — as a high school senior — he ran Highland Records almost single-handedly. That experience sparked what he calls “the vinyl bug.”
Over the years, he worked with respected regional stores including Hegewisch Records and Woodmar Records, managed music buying operations, and spent years in the club and concert business before returning to his retail roots in Hobart.
More Than a Record Store
1. An Old-School Destination
Tom intentionally created a throwback to the record stores of the 1970s and 1980s — places filled with character, conversation, and shared passion. The shop doubles as a mini music museum, displaying unique memorabilia from Tom’s career, each piece with its own story.
It’s a place where musicians, collectors, and music fans gather — not just to shop, but to connect.
2. Giving Back to the Community
Community involvement is central to the business. Tom and Alice actively support the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana through:
Serving as a drop-off location for shelter supplies
Designing and distributing the shelter’s quarterly newsletter
Hosting “Mystery Grab Bags” (with all proceeds donated)
Sponsoring fundraising events such as their popular Vinyl Painting Parties
Donating personal memorabilia items for charity auctions
Signed pieces from artists including members of The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and Billie Eilish have helped raise funds for this important local cause.
3. Supporting Local Musicians
Unlike many stores, Tom Lounges Record Bin purchases original releases from local and regional musicians rather than operating on consignment. During warmer months, the store hosts free acoustic performances for customers.
In its early years, the store even broadcast a live online radio show spinning vinyl and featuring local artists during a weekly Sunday Open Mic — a venture that ended due to licensing costs but remains a fond memory for many.
4. A Celebrity “Cool Kids Club”
Thanks to Tom’s extensive industry connections and the store’s prime location next to the Hobart Art Theater, touring artists frequently stop by. The store has welcomed an impressive list of musicians, including:
Jim Peterik
Chip Z'Nuff
Dan Donegan
Dave Davies
Dennis Diken
Jim Babjak
Jesse James Dupree
Tom Hamilton
John Popper
Tom refers to this ever-growing list as the store’s “Cool Kids Club.” Despite the star power, every visitor is treated the same — with respect, privacy, and appreciation for their love of music.
A True Music Community Hub
Tom Lounges Record Bin isn’t just a retail store — it’s a gathering place, a music museum, a performance space, and a community partner. For vinyl collectors, local musicians, and anyone who believes music is best experienced in its full, analog glory, this downtown Hobart gem continues to keep the grooves spinning.
Be sure to stop in, browse the bins, and stay awhile — you never know who you might meet or what musical treasure you might discover!
Store Hours & Contact
Tom Lounges Record Bin is open seven days a week:
Sunday–Thursday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Friday: 12 PM – 8 PM
Saturday: 12 PM – 7 PM
However, if there’s a concert next door at the Hobart Art Theater or Tom is restocking and ordering, you may find the lights on even later!
Customers can contact the store directly by phone, visit their website, or connect on Facebook and Instagram. A future podcast is also in the creative works.
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