E-Town Records Will Open Doors in Evanston
The new shop will hold its soft opening on September 27, 2026, at 2601 Prairie Ave.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Dance and Electronic
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Owner Dan Chiss will launch E-Town Records in Evanston on September 27, 2026, transitioning from online sales to a physical space. The store serves as the only record shop on the north side of the city.
Why it matters
The store opening arrives as the neighborhood experiences increased energy following the development of the new Ryan Field. The owner secured the location after a previous art gallery tenant vacated the storefront.
The shop specializes in house music, a genre typically ranging between 115 and 130 beats per minute. This location is the only record store on the north side of Evanston.
The players
Dan Chiss
He is the owner of E-Town Records and is transitioning his business from online operations to a physical storefront.
The details
E-Town Records features a wide selection of vinyl including jazz, funk, soul, Latin, hip-hop, and house music. Owner Dan Chiss plans to eventually hire additional staff and intends to host guest DJs and live podcast tapings at the space.
Timeline
The soft opening is scheduled for September 27, 2026.
A grand opening is planned for late October or November 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The opening of a new shop specializing in house music follows the historical legacy set by The Warehouse in Chicago, which pioneered the genre in the early 1980s. This move reflects a broader trend of vinyl retailers re-establishing physical footprints in local neighborhoods.
Local music enthusiasts can now purchase vinyl records on the north side of Evanston rather than relying on online ordering. Customers will eventually have access to live in-store events such as DJ sets and podcast tapings.
The takeaway
The store aims to become a community hub by leveraging the local energy near Ryan Field. Music fans should check the store website for updates on upcoming guest appearances and the specific date of the grand opening.
What happens next
The store plans a grand opening in late October or November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the Dance and Electronic scene.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Evanston RoundTable.
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Do you believe new independent record shops improve the character of your local community?
